Manila: College of Saint Benilde played steadier in the fifth set to conquer defending champion Far Eastern University in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Sunday night at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, Reymarkey Betco finished with 24 points off 23 attacks and one block, along with four excellent digs, while Rocky Motol, the reigning NCAA MVP, had 20 points off 16 attacks, two blocks, and two aces to go with 22 receptions and six digs. Benilde improved to a 2-4 record, its first win coming from Arellano University, 23-25, 25-14, 30-28, 25-22, last Aug. 30.

"When those situations give rise to errors and we have no timeouts, no substitutions, and no challenges, it's up to them. It's up to them to do what they want. They wanted it, from our 31-29 first set until the end," said Blazers head coach Arnold Laniog.

A 10-4 run gave Benilde a 13-10 lead in the fifth set before FEU clawed back to gain the upper hand at 15-14. Betco scored on an attack, Mike Balbacal blocked Luis Miguel, and Motol stopped Charles Absin to wrap up the match after two hours and 13 minutes.

Balbacal contributed nine points, including three blocks, while skipper John Austero and Paul Jordan added eight and seven points, respectively, for Benilde, which will face UAAP champion National University on September 10.

Middle blocker Lirick Mendoza scored 19 points off 14 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while sophomore hitter Amet Samuel Bituin also had 19 points along with 10 receptions for FEU, which suffered its third consecutive loss against three wins. Miguel chipped in 15 points, Dryx Saavedra scored 13 points, and Rhodson Du-ot made 25 excellent sets for the Tamaraws, who will battle the Letran Knights on Wednesday.