FEU brushes off V-League heartbreak, lashes ire on AEP in Spikers’ Turf opener

What happens in the V-League stays in the V-League.

Far Eastern University-DN Steel put its V-League woes behind it, sweeping AEP Cabstars, 25–23, 25–17, 25-17, to open its 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on October 17.

Coming off a stinging finals loss to perennial rivals National University, the Tamaraws quickly shifted their focus to the new tournament, leaning on Dryx Saavedra to spearhead their offense as they pulled away in the second set and never looked back.

The star captain led FEU’s stampede with 14 markers as Charles Absin and Doula Ndongala chipped out eight points apiece.

“We always tell the players that we have to set aside our emotions from what happened before and concentrate on what’s in front of us. We need to focus on the present and on the tournament we’re playing in now,” FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

Facing a far more seasoned roster than what they were used to, the Morayta-based spikers banked on consistency as they zoomed to a 20-12 lead in the third canto, thanks to Rhodson Du-ot’s nifty setting, to ultimately ice the lead.

Tamaraw grit also showed on the net as they locked down on defense with a 13-4 record on kill blocks against the Cabstars.

Meanwhile, Leo Aringo provided much-needed firepower in AEP’s losing effort with 14 points.

FEU improved to a 1–0 slate as they face VNS Always Bright Laticrete, while AEP aims for better prospects against Clearskiiin, both on Oct. 21 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

With reports from ABS-CBN