Far Eastern University-DN Steel put its V-League heartbreak behind it with a dominant 25-23, 25-17, 25-17 victory over AEP-Cabstars for a winning debut in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Tamaraws were coming off a deflating defeat to National University in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals but quickly shook off the disappointment, surviving a tight first set against the Cabstars before pulling away convincingly in the next two frames.
“Pinakamaganda ’yung moment na nanggaling kami sa baba, tapos ngayon, ’yung moment na may panibago ulit na tournament na, may misyon na kailangan naming mag-focus ulit,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“So, lagi nating sinasabi sa kanila na doon sa moment na ’yon, ’yung damdamin natin, dapat medyo itabi muna natin. Kailangan mag-focus tayo sa kung ano ’yung present na nangyayari sa tournament natin ngayon,” he added.
Dryx Saavedra, whose crucial net touch in Game 3 against the Bulldogs proved costly to the Tamaraws’ title bid, bounced back in style with 14 points on 10 attacks and four kill blocks to lead FEU in the 64-minute victory.
Rhodson Du-ot orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets, helping the Tamaraws tally 41 kills on 93 attack attempts.
Charles Absin and Doula Ndongala chipped in with eight points apiece, while Lirik Mendoza and Kyle Tandoc added six markers each.
FEU’s dominance at the net proved decisive, as the Tamaraws outblocked the Cabstars, 13-4, while capitalizing on 20 opponent errors and limiting their own miscues to just 15.
The Tamaraws will look to sustain their strong start when they take on VNS-Always Bright Laticrete on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Meanwhile, Leo Aringo, who recently returned from his stint with Japan’s Saitama Azalea in the V.League, led AEP-Cabstars with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. He also recorded eight excellent receptions.
Paul Malaiba, Dave Lardizabal, and Lorenz Vicente chipped in with seven points apiece in the defeat.
The Cabstars will look to bounce back against Clearskiiin on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
