Charles Absin made six blocks in just a single set against the VNS Griffins, helping the FEU-DN Steel Tamaraws halt a three-game skid in the Spikers' Turf.
Out of semifinals contention, FEU-DN Steel still showed pride and resolve as it snapped a three-game skid with a sweep of VNS, 25-16, 25-21, 25-18, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza led the Tamaraws’ charge, with the former firing 13 points built on 10 spikes, two aces, and a block, and the latter adding 10 points from eight attacks and two blocks.
Charles Absin also made a strong impact at the net, delivering six blocks in the second set alone, a stretch where FEU-DN Steel overturned a 16-19 deficit on its way to sealing the frame. He finished with eight points as the Tamaraws improved to 2-4 in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things and Arena Plus.
“Itong game na ito, it’s a matter of mind setting talaga. Hindi ko maintindihan kung ano bang iniinda, eh. Pero kung nasaan man kami ngayon, alam ko magiging maayos ‘yung galaw ng team towards sa UAAP,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Amet Bituin chipped in seven points, while Mikko Espartero contributed six markers and 13 excellent receptions in the 67-minute victory.
Despite their elimination, Orcullo said he remains optimistic about his squad, pointing to their near-upset of powerhouse Criss Cross – 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-17 – last Wednesday as a key turning point.
“Pinakamagandang nangyari sa amin ay ‘yung laro namin sa Criss Cross. Magandang enlightenment sa amin ‘yan. Siguro dapat panghawakan namin ‘yun,” he added.
FEU-DN Steel will close its campaign against fellow collegiate squad UST-Gameville on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the same venue.
The Griffins, who fell to 1–5, were paced by captain Noy Pedrosa with 10 points on nine attacks and a block.
RK Medino and Kimmy Liray added nine and eight points, respectively, as the young VNS crew managed to commit just nine errors despite the loss.
VNS will wrap up its stint against winless PGJC-Navy on Sunday at 1 p.m., where it hopes to finish the conference on a winning note.