The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers escaped the defending champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 3-2, at the V-League 2025 Collegiate Challenge Conference on Sept. 7 at the Paco Arena in Manila City.
Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol sparked an early 3-0 surge that gave Benilde an advantageous lead in the first shootout. However, Amet Bituin and Dryx Saavedra launched a counterattack from Morayta, igniting a dogfight of points. With the set hanging in the balance, Mike Balbacal rose to the occasion and sent back a crucial block to seal the set for Benilde, 31-29.
Doula Ndongala set the early tempo for the men in green and gold, but Adrian Austero and Betco swung the tide with a blistering 1-2 punch, capped by Motol powering through the Tamaraws’ defenses claiming the second set, 25-21.
Refusing to fold the match, Morayta’s Luis Miguel and Bituin took the reins, building a comfortable eight-point cushion. The Blazers tried to chip away at the deficit, but the Tamaraws held firm to secure the third set, 17-25.
The fourth set saw Blazer Chris Villanueva rolling on the taraflex after an unintentional collision with Paul Jordan. Tamaraws Rhodson Du-ot and Lirick Mendoza showcased seamless playmaking as they orchestrated the men in green and gold’s attack to clinch the set, 25-19, and force a deciding fifth set.
Bituin detonated in the opening moments of the fifth set that gave the defending champs the initial edge. But the Taft squad refused to break as they tied the game at 6-6 with concerted efforts from Balbacal, Jordan, Austero, and a recovered Villanueva. In the end, Benilde’s composure shone through as they pulled off a nail-biting 17-15 escape in the fifth set.
The Blazers garnered a 2-4 win-loss card that placed them in the bottom half of the standings, putting Benilde out of the final four contention.
While the Blazers are no longer in contention, they will close their tournament campaign against the National University (NU) Bulldogs on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the same venue.
Set Scores:
DLS-CSB vs FEU: 31-29, 25-21, 17-25, 19-25, 17-15
