MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) – DN Steel faces the National University (NU) – Archipelago Builders in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Sunday.
The Tamaraws and the Bulldogs, both with 2-0 records, clash at 3 p.m.
It will be a rematch of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals won by the Bulldogs, 2-1.
Team captain Dryx Saavedra is expected to lead the Tamaraws after scoring 25 points in their 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22 victory over VNS on Wednesday.
“Syempre ‘yun nga last V-League ko na rin ‘yun pero ‘di maganda ‘yung exit, pero syempre laging sinasabi sa’min ng coaches namin na kapag may chance, lagi lang naming kailangang i-grab (Of course, that was my last V-League stint, and it didn’t end on a good note – but our coaches always tell us that whenever an opportunity arises, we just have to grab it),” Saavedra said in the Spikers’ Turf news release Friday.
“Tapos ‘wag naman i-ano ‘yung sarili namin sa pagkatalo na ‘yun kasi syempre as athlete, motivation din sa’min na na-experience namin ‘yun. Sure ako, ako at ang buong team namin maraming natutunan dun (And we shouldn’t dwell on that loss; after all, as athletes, experiencing it serves as motivation for us. I’m certain that I, along with the entire team, learned a lot from it).”
The Tamaraws, however, face a tough test against the Bulldogs, who also have a 2-0 slate following victories over the VNS Griffins and the Alpha Insurance Protectors.
NU has been particularly impressive at the net, with Obed Mukaba leading the way in the blocking department to anchor the Bulldogs’ defense and make life difficult for opposing attackers.
Mukaba had eight blocks against VNS before adding seven more against Alpha Insurance to give NU a formidable defensive presence heading into its clash with FEU.
“I’m very happy to play here because I think it’s my third season. I’m very happy to help the team win with my blockings as a middle blocker, so I hope we will continue this,” said the Congolese middle blocker.
Meanwhile, AEP-Cabstars (0-2) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (0-2) open the quadruple-header at 11 a.m.
Savouge (0-2) and 3B (1-1) meet at 1 p.m. while defending champion Criss Cross (2-0) battles Alpha Insurance (1-1) at 5 p.m.
