MANILA — Far Eastern University outdueled Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a thrilling three-set affair to secure the top seed in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday.
The Tamaraws erased deficits in each set en route to a 25–20, 25–22, 25–23 victory at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, giving them a sweep of the preliminary round.
The third set featured a see-saw battle that saw FEU and Letran trade points, before a Kyle Tandoc kill and an error by Luis Vicente gave the UAAP side the break it needed at 22–20.
Another exchange of points followed before back-to-back kills from Mikko Espartero, who came on for Luis Miguel, ended the match and completed FEU's sweep.
Far Eastern University celebrates after beating Letran in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 27, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
As the top seed, FEU will face reigning NCAA champions De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Final Four, which begins on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Center.
"Siguro, hindi kami pwedeng mag-relax sa next two days, kasi sa Wednesday, 'yun na 'yung semis natin. Hindi kami dapat makampante sa lahat ng spat naming ginagawa. Baka ngayon pa nga dapat mas mag-focus doon sa lahat ng gagawin namin," said head coach Eddieson Orcullo, emphasizing the mindset the defending champions need to maintain heading into the semifinals.
Tandoc earned Player of the Game honors after leading the Tamaraws on both ends with 13 points and 11 excellent receptions. Captain Dryx Saavedra and Miguel added 14 and 10 points, respectively.
FEU's comeback was fueled by its strong net defense, with the Tamaraws finishing with 13 kill blocks.
The Knights finished third in the standings with a 5–2 win-loss record and will face reigning six-time UAAP champions National University in the semifinals.
Jessel Nimo produced a match-high 16 points, while Dave Lardizabal added 14. However, Letran's 21 errors, particularly those committed in crucial moments, ultimately doomed the Knights to defeat.