FEU avoids meltdown, gores Navy

Far Eastern University (FEU)-DN Steel rebounded from a third-set collapse to topple the veteran-laden PGJC-Navy in four sets, 25-23, 25-16, 31-33, 25-17, for its first win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

After failing to get the job done in the marathon third frame, where they squandered nine match points, the Tamaraws regrouped and came out firing in the fourth.

FEU-DN Steel let loose a torrid 13-6 opening blitz and never looked back, securing the win in one hour and 58 minutes to even their win-loss record at 1-1.

“No matter what happens, my boys will fight. Anyone who gets fielded plays hard and that’s one characteristic that the team has,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo, praising the squad’s collective grit.

Down 17-20 in the third set, the Tamaraws leaned on Charles Absin, Mikko Espartero, and Dryx Saavedra to mount a furious rally, eventually reaching match point at 24-22.

Yet the Sealions refused to yield, fending off all nine match points before a Paul Salboro centerline fault handed them their own set point.

Joeven dela Vega then capitalized with a pipe attack that extended the match, 33-31.

But that was the last gasp for PGJC-Navy.

The youthful FEU squad regained its rhythm in the fourth, with Saavedra spearheading the charge en route to a game-high 22 points built on 20-of-34 attacks and two blocks. Absin made a strong impact off the bench, finishing with 12 points on 10-of-13 spikes and two rejections despite playing only the final three sets.