Defending Champions Maintain Perfect Run After Tough Battle
Far Eastern University survived a demanding five-set battle against Benilde to remain unbeaten in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. The defending champions prevailed, 25-19, 23-25, 25-27, 27-25, 15-11, after nearly two hours of high-pressure volleyball.
FEU Survives Benilde in Five-Set Thriller
Aeron Paul Valderrama of Tiebreaker Times reported that FEU improved to 2-0 following Sunday’s marathon victory over Benilde. The Tamaraws captured the opener before dropping consecutive sets, leaving the defending champions one frame away from their first defeat.
FEU survived an extended fourth set, 27-25, before Amet Bituin’s serving helped establish a 9-6 advantage in the decider. Dryx Saavedra eventually finished the contest with a kill following a lengthy rally, preventing Benilde from completing the upset.
Image from: ABS-CBN
Bituin Serving and Saavedra Kill Decide Final Set
Bituin provided timely service pressure when FEU needed separation, helping the Tamaraws establish control midway through the fifth set. Saavedra then delivered the match-ending attack, completing a comeback that required FEU to survive considerable fourth-set pressure.
Orcullo Wants FEU Errors Reduced Despite Victory
Despite escaping with another victory, head coach Eddieson Orcullo immediately identified unforced mistakes as an area requiring improvement. FEU repeatedly allowed Benilde opportunities to recover momentum, transforming a manageable contest into a demanding five-set battle.
“Siguro kailangan lang din linisin ‘yung errors. Kailangang ibaba namin yung errors namin para maging maayos pa yung game,” Orcullo said.
Orcullo also emphasized concentration as FEU prepares for another demanding stretch during its Collegiate Challenge title defense. Reducing avoidable mistakes should become increasingly important against opponents capable of consistently converting additional opportunities during pressure situations.
“Focus pa. Kailangan mag-focus pa sila sa lahat ng gusto nilang mangyari,” Orcullo said.
Defending Champions Still Searching for Cleaner Execution
FEU’s unbeaten start provides positive results, but Orcullo’s comments identify execution standards that remain below his expectations. Cleaner volleyball would reduce unnecessary pressure while allowing the Tamaraws’ experienced leaders and balanced offense to operate more consistently.
Saavedra and Bituin Counter Betco’s 35-Point Performance
Saavedra led FEU with 17 points from 16 attacks and one block while adding five digs against Benilde. Bituin supplied 15 points from the bench, complementing his scoring with decisive service pressure during the winner-take-all fifth set.
Charles Absin contributed another 10 points, giving FEU three double-digit scorers during a match requiring production across several rotations. Benilde countered through Reymark Betco, whose remarkable 35-point performance kept the Blazers within striking distance throughout the five-set contest.
Balanced Tamaraws Overcome Benilde’s Biggest Offensive Weapon
Betco accumulated 32 kills, two blocks, and one service ace while carrying a significant portion of Benilde’s offensive production. FEU ultimately answered through greater scoring balance, with Saavedra, Bituin, and Absin providing multiple options during important stretches.
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FEU Moves to 2-0 as Title Defense Builds Momentum
The victory moved defending champion FEU to 2-0, preserving its unbeaten beginning to the V-League Collegiate Challenge. Benilde dropped to 2-2 following the narrow defeat and will attempt to respond against National University in its next assignment.
FEU next faces Arellano University, providing another opportunity for the Tamaraws to extend their winning start during preliminary competition. Orcullo’s emphasis on concentration and reduced errors gives the defending champions clear priorities before returning to competitive action.
Arellano Provides Tamaraws With Their Next Tournament Test
FEU enters its next assignment carrying consecutive victories but also several execution concerns identified following the Benilde marathon. Maintaining late-set discipline while reducing unforced mistakes could help the Tamaraws avoid another unnecessarily complicated five-set encounter.
Letran Stays Unbeaten After Sweeping La Salle
Colegio de San Juan de Letran improved to 4-0 after sweeping De La Salle University, 25-18, 29-27, 25-23. The Knights overcame difficult stretches during the final two frames by executing more effectively when both sets reached decisive situations.
Head coach Jessie Lopez credited his players for following instructions under pressure, while Jessel Nimo delivered a team-high 20 points. Nimo produced 17 attacks, two blocks, and one ace while adding six excellent receptions and two digs.
“Gusto kong ibigay yung credits sa mga players kasi yung instructions ng mga coaches, nakikinig (sila) at nape-perform nila. Mahirap kasi pag nasa crucial na, nagbigay ka ng instructions pero hindi sumunod yung players,” Lopez said.
Nimo’s 20 Points Strengthen Knights’ Semifinal Push
Dave Lardizabal added 11 points and Vince Himzon contributed 10, giving unbeaten Letran three players reaching double figures. La Salle fell to 2-2 despite receiving 18 points from Ousseini and another 10 from Rui Ventura.
Analytical Breakdown: Champions Responded Under Pressure
FEU’s victory over Benilde highlighted the composure expected from defending champions because the Tamaraws responded decisively after repeatedly facing elimination pressure. Surviving a five-set battle showed the value of experienced leaders like Dryx Saavedra and Amet Bituin, whose timely execution steadied the team during the most critical rallies.
At the same time, head coach Eddieson Orcullo’s concerns about unforced errors remain justified despite the unbeaten start. If FEU reduces its mistakes while maintaining its late-set discipline and balanced offense, the Tamaraws will strengthen their chances of defending the V-League Collegiate Challenge title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the FEU versus Benilde final score?
FEU defeated Benilde, 25-19, 23-25, 25-27, 27-25, 15-11, during their five-set V-League Collegiate Challenge matchup.
Who led FEU against Benilde?
Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 17 points, while Amet Bituin contributed 15 points and important fifth-set serving pressure.
How many points did Reymark Betco score?
Reymark Betco produced a match-high 35 points through 32 kills, two blocks, and one service ace for Benilde.
What is FEU’s V-League record?
Defending champion FEU improved to 2-0 and will pursue another victory when the Tamaraws face Arellano University.
What is Letran’s V-League record?
Letran improved to 4-0 after sweeping La Salle, strengthening the Knights’ position in the Collegiate Challenge standings.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Bytes Philippines.
