MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) kicked off its title campaign in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-21 victory over Mapua University Sunday at Paco Arena in Manila.

Congolese opposite Faida Bakanke scored 12 points off six attacks, three blocks and three aces, while also contributing four digs, as the Lady Tamaraws wrapped up the match in one hour and 31 minutes.

Mitzi Panangin contributed 10 points off five attacks, three blocks and two aces, while Ia Madane David and Gerzel Mary Petallo chipped in eight points each for FEU, last season’s runner-up.

"Our only point this time is not to make up for it, but to really improve from last time,” senior setter and team captain Christine Ubaldo, who orchestrated a decisive 6-2 closing run to seal the win, said.

“That's only if we can do it well. We're not focused on actually winning, but on the process of how we're going to win. For me, our participation here isn't really about redemption.”

Mapua captain Alyanna Ong finished with eight points off four attacks and four blocks.

Zyra Danica Morales also had eight points followed by Juliana Marie Estudillo and Freighanne Seanelle Garcia with five points and four points, respectively.

FEU will face Adamson University on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the same venue, while Mapua will try to bounce back when it battles University of Perpetual Help on Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. (PNA)