Far Eastern University vented its ire on Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20, to complete an all-UAAP semifinal cast in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday, September 10, afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Reeling from a surprising three-game skid, the Tamaraws rediscovered their rhythm at the perfect time as interim captain Dryx Saavedra and sophomore hitter Amet Bituin delivered when it mattered to secure the third seed in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Saavedra spearheaded the charge with 17 points built on 16 kills and one block while also tallying four excellent digs. Bituin added 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, plus 11 excellent receptions. With the sweep, FEU closed the eliminations at 4-3 with 14 points, joining unbeaten De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals.

The Tamaraws’ victory also sealed Ateneo de Manila University’s spot in the Final Four, as the Blue Eagles carried a 4-3 slate with 12 points. Letran, Benilde, and NU, meanwhile, bowed out of the race.

Saavedra and Bituin deliver in crunch time

The second set turned into a thriller with both sides knotted at 19-all. But the Tamaraws unleashed a 6-3 closing run capped by a Bituin block, a Mikko Espartero down-the-line smash, and a Saavedra crosscourt bomb to take a two-set cushion.

FEU then carried its momentum into the third frame. Behind timely blows from Saavedra, Bituin, and Charles Absin, the Tamaraws stretched a slim 9-8 lead into a commanding 17-10 advantage, leaving Letran struggling to recover.

FEU seals sweep, Letran bows out

The Knights tried to rally late, trimming the deficit to 23-19, but Saavedra’s crosscourt hit and a CJ Cabatac off-the-block finish iced the match in just 87 minutes.

Absin contributed 10 points, while playmaker Rhodson Du-ot shone in the absence of Ariel Cacao with 23 excellent sets and two markers. Lirick Mendoza chipped in nine points to cap FEU’s balanced effort.

For Letran, Dave Lardizabal tallied 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, while Felix Bermido and Bembem Bautista scored seven apiece. The Knights dropped to 2-4 heading into their last elimination match against NU on September 29 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.