The FEU Tamaraws celebrate against National University in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 20, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — Far Eastern University overcame modern day rival National University in a five-set thriller to remain undefeated in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday.
The Tamaraws hacked out a 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 15-11 result at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, extending their perfect run to five matches.
FEU is already assured of a place in the semifinals after sweeping La Salle on Saturday.
READ: FEU clinch V-League semis ticket with sweep of La Salle
"Siguro happy pero at the same time, hindi pa contented kasi marami pang dapat ayusin. Kaya ayon, ensayo uli," said head coach Eddieson Orcullo of their performance.
"Ginusto ng players (na manalo) kasi siguro na-challenge sila sa ginawa ng kalaro namin. Isa yun sa malaking factor kaya nakuha namin yung game," he added.
Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc delivered the finishing blows for FEU, who needed to weather a last-ditch rally from the reigning UAAP champions.
Saavedra once again led the charge for the V-League titleholders with 22 points, including 19 attacks and three blocks, while also collecting four digs.
Four other Tamaraws finished in double figures, led by Charles Absin's 15 points. Outside hitters Amet Bituin and Mikko Espartero chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively, while Doula Ndongala added 11.
The balanced offensive attack was also made possible by FEU's 46 excellent receptions, with Espartero leading the team with 17. Rhodson Du-ot, meanwhile, registered 21 excellent sets.
FEU will close out the preliminaries with back-to-back matches, beginning with another rivalry clash against University of Santo Tomas (3-3) on Saturday, September 26, at 5 p.m.
The Tamaraws will then face Colegio de San Juan de Letran (5-1) in their final preliminary-round assignment on Sunday, also at 5 p.m.
Asian Games-bound spikers Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin led NU with 23 and 17 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to prevent FEU from securing the victory.
The Bulldogs, who dropped to 3-3, will navigate the rest of the tournament without Peng Taguibolos, Ordiales, and Buddin, beginning with their crucial matchup against Arellano University earlier on Saturday at 3 p.m.