Far Eastern University is back where it wants to be—the UAAP men’s volleyball Finals—after surviving a full-on Ateneo storm in a five-set semifinal classic, 25-20, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-12, Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. FEU entered as the top seed, but the Blue Eagles made them earn every point, pushing the Tamaraws to the edge before FEU finally slammed the door in the deciding set.
After FEU took the first set, Ateneo flipped the match with adjustments and grabbed Sets 2 and 3, putting the Tamaraws in a dangerous 1–2 hole. That’s where FEU showed why they’ve been one of the season’s most composed teams—resetting in Set 4, taking control early, and forcing a decider with a strong 25-17 response.
In the fifth, the pressure boiled down to finishing plays—Amet Bituin delivered late, scoring FEU’s final two points and sealing the Finals return. Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 14 points, while Lirick Mendoza and Mikko Espartero added 12 each. Setter Ariel Cacao steered the attack with 26 excellent sets. On Ateneo’s side, Okeke went off for a game-high 24 points, with Ken Batas (15) and Jian Salarzon (12) backing him up—but it wasn’t enough to complete the upset.
FEU now gets its redemption shot after falling just one win short of the title last season. They’re in the Finals again—this time, with scars, experience, and another chance to finish the job.
Image from UAAP