VOLLEY

Tamaraws keep Cavaliers winless

Mark Escarlote · Nov 12, 2026, 9:59 PM

AMET Bituin of FEU-DN Steel pierces the AFP defense with a booming smash during their 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game on Thursday. The Tamaraws prevailed, 25-16, 25-20, 25-10. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SPIKERS’ TURF

Mikko Espartero returned from an ankle injury and sparked Far Eastern University (FEU)-DN Steel’s swift kill of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 25-16, 25-20, 25-10, for its third straight win in the Spikers’ Turf Season 10 Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The winger scored all of his 10 points on kills and added two excellent receptions in an all-around performance to help the Tamaraws improve to a 5-2 win-loss record, tied with Alpha Insurance in third to fourth.

“I’m just so happy that I’m back playing. Actually, I just got my clearance to play yesterday,” the opposite spiker said.

“I just focused on my recovery from my injury and just got my clearance. I’m happy that coach (Eddieson Orcullo) gave me an opportunity to play. My mindset is to go all-out and contribute to the team.”

Amet Bituin scored nine points in just one set of play while Xandrex Ragusta fired eight kills in a nine-point explosion for FEU-DN Steel, which came off a sweep of 3B last Wednesday.

Dryx Saavedra added eight points and Rhodson Du-ot dished out 16 excellent sets for the Tamaraws.

FEU-DN Steel rained down 50 attack points and frustrated the Cavaliers attackers with seven kill blocks, with Bituin and Charles Absin accounting for two denials each.

“It’s a great game for us. The boys really worked hard for this straight sets win,” Orcullo said.

The Tamaraws showed no signs of slowing down even after playing back-to-back games in less than 24 hours.

FEU-DN Steel took advantage of its youthful energy, playing in an up-tempo game to wear down the veteran-laden AFP.

Save for a second-set dip as the Tamaraws fielded mostly their second stringers, FEU-DN Steel needed only 73 minutes to dispose of the listless Cavaliers.

The Tamaraws also bolstered their semis chances with just two assignments left against Alpha Insurance and defending champion Criss Cross.

AFP finished its campaign winless in nine games.

Pol Salvador had eight points and Alfredo Pagulong scored six for the Cavaliers, who played sans Ranran Abdilla and with just 11 available players.