MANILA — Far Eastern University is headed to the semifinals of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after a 25–23, 25–19, 25–18 sweep of De La Salle University on Saturday.
The Tamaraws built a commanding 20-11 lead in the third set behind the service game of co-captain Amet Bituin. Arjay Magallanes sparked La Salle's comeback, but Kyle Tandoc was there to seal the deal for FEU.
The result at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City improved FEU's record to 4-0, but head coach Eddieson Orcullo was quick to put their win in perspective.
"Mag-focus pa rin kami sa serve-pass na nangyayari. And itong La Salle kasi under transition pa kay coach Babes (Castillo); hindi pa nila nakukuha gusto ng coaches," said the longtime mentor.
"Siguro, kailangang hindi kami tumigil sa ginagawa namin at ayusin yung mga gusto pa naming mangyari, para sa mga susunod nating matches, well-prepared pa rin tayo," Orcullo added.
The FEU Tamaraws celebrate against La Salle in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 19, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
Captain Dryx Saavedra paced the Tamaraws' offense with 14 points on 12 kills, one block, and one ace, while also contributing five digs.
Bituin topped FEU with 15 points on 12 kills, one block, and two aces, to go with 13 excellent receptions. Charles Absin added 12 points, five of which came from kill blocks.
The Tamaraws will look to secure a fifth straight win when they face UAAP rivals National University on Sunday at noon.
Yoyong Mendoza led La Salle with 12 points off the bench, while Issa Ousseini added 11, but the rest of the Green Spikers were held in check by FEU's defense.
La Salle dropped to 2–4 and will close out its preliminary-round campaign against the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Blazers on September 27 at 3 p.m.