FAR Eastern University completed the semifinal picture of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20, on Wednesday (10 Sept 2025) at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

The Tamaraws, led by skipper Dryx Saavedra and rising star Amet Bituin, finished the elimination round with a 4-3 record (14 points) to clinch the No. 3 seed behind unbeaten De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas. Ateneo de Manila University grabbed the fourth and final slot with a similar 4-3 record but with 12 points.

Saavedra spearheaded FEU with 17 points built on 16 kills and a block, while Bituin added 11 markers and anchored the defense with 11 excellent receptions. Charles David Absin contributed 10 points, and Lirick Mendoza chipped in nine. Setter Rhodson Du-ot, stepping up in the absence of Ariel Cacao, tallied 23 excellent sets to steady the Tamaraws’ offense.

FEU turned the tide in the second frame after a 19-all deadlock, stringing a 6-3 run behind Espartero, Bituin, and Saavedra to secure the set in 27 minutes. In the third, Absin joined hands with Saavedra and Bituin to build a 17-10 cushion that sealed the one-hour and 27-minute victory.

Despite the loss, Letran had bright spots with Dave Lardizabal’s 15 points and support from Felix Bermido and Bembem Bautista, who finished with seven apiece. The Knights fell to 2-4 and will close their campaign against National University on September 29 at the Filoil Center in San Juan.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo praised his players’ composure heading into the semis.

“Whatever the outcome of this game, we were ready to accept it. But the boys showed good character and mindset. Now, we’ll see how far we can go in the semifinals,” Orcullo said.

With FEU’s win, the Final Four is now an all-UAAP affair featuring La Salle, UST, FEU, and Ateneo.