MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University (FEU) and NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde are set to face off for the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Batangas Leg title on Sunday after both remaining undefeated in two matches at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym.
FEU dominated the University of Batangas with sets of 25-14, 25-7, and 25-19, marking their second consecutive win without losing a set in the tournament.
Last year’s runner-up, FEU, matched College of Saint Benilde at the top of the standings with an impeccable 2-0 win-loss record, setting the stage for their Sunday match to serve as a virtual championship showdown at 6 p.m.
The Lady Tamaraws utilized their service game effectively, executing a closing 8-1 rally to leave the host team scoreless in their outings.
Middle blocker Mitzi Panangin led FEU with 10 points from eight kills and two blocks. Faida Bakanke and Lovely Lopez each scored nine points, while Clarisse Loresco, Gerzel Petallo, and Ia David contributed five points each for FEU, who are eager to settle unfinished business.
“It’s different being at this level, fighting for the championship. We need to showcase maturity and decision-making—things not seen in training,” said FEU coach Tina Salak in Filipino.
“Hopefully, we’ll improve chemistry on court and reduce our errors.”
FEU was behind UB at 17-18 in the third set before David’s back-to-back aces ignited the team’s closing surge.
Meanwhile, College Saint Benilde endured a challenging match before overcoming Letran with scores of 27-29, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, and 15-8. A stern talking-to from head coach Jerry Yee after a fourth-set lapse revitalized the Lady Blazers, allowing them to dominate the deciding set and maintain their undefeated status in the tournament.
