Far Eastern University-DN Steel showed that depth can carry a contender. Missing three starters, the Tamaraws beat VNS-Laticrete in four sets, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, to go 2-0 in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

The win, played Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, put FEU in a tie atop the standings with ClearSkiiin, with both teams unbeaten. It also left VNS winless at 0-2 and underscored how clearly defined roles can keep a thinned-out lineup on track.

Saavedra, Espartero Lead FEU-DN Steel Past VNS-Laticrete

Starters Amet Bituin, Rhodson Du-ot and Kyle Tandoc were unavailable because of on-the-job training commitments. Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero stepped up, with Saavedra scoring 25 points on 22 attacks, two blocks and one ace.

Espartero delivered an all-around effort of 19 points on 16 attacks, two aces and one block. He also added 17 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, giving FEU steady production in both serve receive and the back row.

“Yung bawat isa alam ‘yung kung paano nila gagamitin ‘yung sarili nila eh. Saka ‘yung timing nung kailan sila papasok saka kung kailan sila lalabas, kaya malaking bagay sa’min ‘yung bawat isa,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Orcullo also addressed the absence of the team’s core players. “Yung nangyari ngayon na ‘yung mga core players na wala, dapat ma-feel namin na walang magbabago dun sa players na nasa OJT ngayon,” he added.

FEU-DN Steel Depth Shines as VNS-Laticrete Drops to 0-2

Backup playmaker Kalel Ronquillo kept the offense moving with 29 excellent sets and two points in the absence of Du-ot. Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 17 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs in a match that lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes.

FEU committed 34 errors but outscored the Griffins 59-48 in attacks. It also held the edge in blocks, 7-4, and aces, 7-2, for its second straight win in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

VNS-Laticrete again found itself chasing the game after dropping the first two sets. The Griffins forced a fourth set by taking the third, but they could not complete the comeback and fell to 0-2.

Jau Umandal was the lone double-digit scorer for VNS with 20 points, all from attacks. Julius Arcillo added eight points, while Jerremy Pedrosa and CJ Segui each had seven.

Howard Guerra added 15 excellent sets and three points. Mohammad Patadon had 16 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs in the defeat.

FEU will look to win a third straight when it faces the National University-Archipelago Builders on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue. VNS will seek its first win against ClearSkiiin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.