Spikers’ Turf: Undermanned FEU still too much for VNS

The FEU Tamaraws celebrate a point against VNS-Laticrete in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, October 21, 2026 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. PVL MediaMANILA — Despite missing key players, Far Eastern University-DN Steel still proved too much for VNS-Laticrete in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Tamaraws came away with a 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22 result, as FEU-DN Steel improved to 2-0 in the tournament.

Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero stepped up for the Tamaraws, who were missing starters Amet Bituin, Rhodson Du-ot, and Kyle Tandoc due to their respective on-the-job training commitments.

Saavedra unloaded 25 points on 22 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Espartero delivered an all-around performance with 19 points on 16 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 17 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

“Yung bawat isa alam ‘yung kung paano nila gagamitin ‘yung sarili nila eh. Saka ‘yung timing nung kailan sila papasok saka kung kailan sila lalabas, kaya malaking bagay sa’min ‘yung bawat isa,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Backup playmaker Kalel Ronquillo also stepped up, keeping the offense running smoothly with 29 excellent sets and two points in the absence of Du-ot.

Vennie Ceballos likewise made his presence felt on the defensive end, tallying 17 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs in the one-hour-and-50-minute contest.

Although the Tamaraws gave away 34 points on errors, they made up for it with a stronger offensive showing, outscoring the Griffins 59-48 in attacks. 

FEU also held the advantage in blocks, 7-4, and aces, 7-2, to secure its second straight victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Meanwhile, the Griffins once again found themselves playing catch-up after dropping the first two sets. Despite extending the match to four sets, they failed to complete the comeback and fell to 0-2 in the standings.

Jau Umandal was VNS’ lone double-digit scorer, finishing with 20 points, all from attacks. Howard Guerra dished out 15 excellent sets and added three points, while Mohammad Patadon recorded 16 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs in the defeat.

FEU will look to extend its winning streak to three games when it faces V-League tormentor and UAAP rival National University-Archipelago Builders on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

The Griffins will look to secure their first win against ClearSkiiin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.