Far Eastern University is eyeing the first playoff berth as it squares off against a Letran side eager to stay in the semifinal hunt, setting the stage for an electrifying Sunday clash in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila.
Currently tied with the De La Salle Green Spikers for the top spot with a 4-1 record, the Tams are in fine form and optimistic about their chances against the Knights. However, coach Ed Orcullo remains cautious, aware of his team's occasional lapses in focus.
"Dapat walang magre-relax, kasi alam natin lahat ‘yon, pag nag-relax ka, kahit anong habol mo ang gawin mo, minsan hindi na gumagalaw,” said Orcullo, whose Tams are riding a two-game winning streak.
Game time is at 2 p.m.
Letran, meanwhile, aims to bounce back from its four-set loss to UST, as the Knights seek to improve to a 3-3 record and remain in contention for a semifinal spot.
A win for FEU would guarantee the Morayta-based squad a top-two finish and a spot in the four-team, best-of-three playoffs starting on Sept. 18.
In the 12 noon opener, University of Santo Tomas is similarly focused on boosting its playoff hopes as it goes up against Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Golden Spikers have rebounded strongly from an 0-2 start, winning their last three games. However, they remain wary of the challenge posed by the Generals, who recently stunned reigning NCAA champion Perpetual Help for its first win after four consecutive losses in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Young guns Trevor Valera and Al-Bukharie Sali will look to maintain their strong play for UST, while Jan Abor and Mark Palatino aim to ignite a win streak for EAC.
"We are still focusing on mastering a new system. Tapos siguro saka kami magpe-prepare na sa kalaban,” said UST mentor Odjie Mamon.
In the lone women’s match at 5 p.m., University of the East takes on Letran in a battle of struggling teams.
UE, led by KC Cepada, seeks to build on its grueling five-set victory over Lyceum last Wednesday, which evened its record at 2-2. Letran, meanwhile, hopes to snap a two-game skid following an opening game win, with key contributions from Verenicce Colendra and Sheena Sarie.
The games will be broadcast live on Solar Sports, vleague.ph/live, and the V-League’s YouTube channel.
