FAR Eastern University rebounded from a tough five-set loss to University of the Philippines with a 25-16, 25-14, 25-22 sweep of College of Saint Benilde in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena yesterday.

The rematch of last year’s Finals was a one-sided one, except late in the third set where the Lady Blazers kept the match close before the Lady Tamaraws showed composure to enter the win column.

Congo’s Faida Bakanke led FEU with 12 points, Jean Asis had four blocks for an 11-point effort while Gerzel Petallo chipped in nine points, nine receptions and six digs.

Clarisse Loresco, the Lady Tamaraws rookie middle blocker, started in the second set and hammered 7-of-14 kills.

The Lady Blazers, with Rhea Densing leading the way, fell to 0-2.

Meanwhile, Buds Buddin produced another brillant 17-point outing, propelling men’s holders National University to its second consecutive victory with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 romp over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

FEU also improved to 2-0 as it pulled off a 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 29-27 victory over Ateneo.

Buddin had 13-of-28 attacks, three blocks and an ace to help the Bulldogs stay unbeaten in the young season.

Leo Aringo, who matched Buddin’s 17-point output in the match against Perpetual, contributed 13 points on 12-of-26 kills that went along with nine receptions and five digs for NU.

Mikko Espartero and Jelord Talisayan combined for 27 points while rookie Amet Bituin, entered as a third set starter, had 11-of-23 kills to finish with 12 points for the Tamaraws.

The Bulldogs know that the team remains a work in progress, as Greg Ancheta, who tossed 13 excellent sets, is trying to get into the groove of filling the huge void left by setter Owa Retamar.

“Nagsisimula ulit kaming mabuo ‘yung team kaya although panalo kami, malaking bagay ‘yung nakakuha ng experience ‘yung ibang players namin. Kailangan talaga naming mag-gel pa para mabawasan ‘yung unforced errors namin,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Congo’s Obed Mukaba added six points in the Bulldogs’ one-hour, 13-minute victory, while Jan Abadilla contributed five points for the reigning UAAP champions.

Despite a 14-point effort from Jan Ruther Abor, the Generals suffered their second consecutive defeat.