Defending V-League champion Far Eastern University stamped its class over National University, scoring a 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 sweep in their highly anticipated rematch of the UAAP Season 87 Finals on Sunday, August 24, evening at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

The Tamaraws took full advantage of an NU squad missing key hitters Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado, riding on a balanced offensive effort from Dryx Saavedra, Amet Bituin, and Mikko Espartero to remain unbeaten in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

Even without captain Ariel Cacao, FEU displayed composure and chemistry throughout the match. Saavedra shined brightest, exploding for 20 points on 17 attacks, two aces, and one block, powering FEU to its third consecutive victory and a measure of revenge against the Bulldogs, who denied them in last season’s UAAP Finals.

Saavedra and Tamaraws dominate key moments

The Bulldogs threatened late in the third set when rookie middle blocker Miguel Egger came up with back-to-back blocks to give NU a 21-19 lead. But FEU responded with a decisive 4-1 run, highlighted by Charles Absin’s running attack and block, to retake the advantage.

Though NU’s freshman Luke Macatangay tied the score with a through-the-block hit, Bituin answered with a down-the-line kill, and Choi Diao’s error ended the contest, sealing FEU’s sweep in 82 minutes.

The second set saw NU close within 21-20 after three straight points from Macatangay, but FEU refused to buckle. The Tamaraws rattled off four consecutive points, with Saavedra, Espartero, and NU’s own miscues allowing them to secure a commanding two-set lead.

FEU stays unbeaten, NU slides in standings

Espartero and Bituin each chipped in 10 points, with Espartero also adding 14 excellent receptions and Bituin tallying four digs. Stepping in for Cacao, Benny Martinez tallied 16 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos contributed 14 receptions and three digs.

Head coach Eddieson Orcullo credited his players’ discipline but stressed the need for continued hard work with tougher matches ahead. FEU now braces for a crucial showdown with the also-undefeated De La Salle University on August 30.

For NU, Macatangay finished with 13 points, 11 receptions, and two aces, while Egger and rookie Yuan Mendoza scored 10 each. Despite their fight, the Bulldogs dropped to 2-3, falling to fifth place with two games left in the eliminations. They will attempt to bounce back against NCAA runner-up Letran on August 26.