MANILA, Philippines – In the opening round of the Men’s V-League Collegiate Challenge, Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in an intense battle of abilities and willpower. The famous Paco Arena in Manila served as the scene for the exciting game, which saw displays of skill and sportsmanship that astounded the audience.
The scoreboard gave a vivid account of the contest, with FEU winning by a predetermined score of 25-22, 23-25, 25-16, and 25-16. The seasoned opposite hitter for FEU, Zhydryx Saavedra, unquestionably stole the show with his outstanding performance. His 20 points, including an outstanding 16 kills, demonstrated his accuracy and dexterity on the court. Jelord Talisayan, a skilled outside hitter who complemented this outstanding performance, contributed 14 points to the team’s total, further confirming FEU’s superiority.
The conflict involved not only individual genius but also strong team relations. FEU significantly improved its blocking and defense under the direction of head coach Ed Orcullo. Their success was greatly influenced by this tactical improvement, serving as a potent illustration of how a comprehensive strategy may produce outstanding results. Coach Orcullo’s emphasis on giving everything you’ve got until the final buzzer demonstrated his commitment to developing a tough and motivated team.
In the fourth set, where FEU produced an astounding 13-6 surge, the outcome decisively changed. Lirick John Mendoza’s decisive block highlighted the climax of this thrilling section and effectively brought an exciting one hour and 52 minutes of tough competition to an end.
The tenacious opposite hitter for Perpetual, Klint Michael Mateo, demonstrated his prowess by scoring 13 points. Perpetual suffered a setback despite their best efforts after losing to University of Santo Tomas earlier in the competition. Their fight against a difficult foe was reflected in the fearsome trio of scores—19–25, 19–25, and 15–25.
Michael Medalla, the dependable middle blocker for Perpetual, added to the excitement of the game with an outstanding 10 points and three blocks. The outside hitter with a variety of skills, Jefferson Marapoc, contributed to Perpetual’s energetic effort with eight kills and two blocks.
John Christian Enarciso’s strategic and exact settings were essential to the game’s dynamics. His flawless execution of 11 sets highlighted his essential role in directing the offensive for the squad. John Philip Pepito, the devoted libero for Perpetual, demonstrated his quickness and dependability on the court with 15 superb receptions and 12 excellent digs, playing a critical role in defense.
The exciting matchups in the Men’s V-League Collegiate Challenge are epitomizing the spirit of collegiate athletics as the competition progresses—a setting where talent, teamwork, and unshakeable commitment combine. Athletes and teams pave their paths to triumph with each game, leaving a permanent imprint on the development of the sport. This spirit was illustrated in the exciting match between FEU and Perpetual, which added another chapter to the rich history of collegiate volleyball brilliance.