Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas set their sights on a common goal as they battle separate, equally determined rivals on Sunday in Game Two of the V-League Collegiate Challenge semfinals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Both teams are seeking to sweep their respective Final Four opponents and secure spots in the men’s and women’s finals.
For the top-seeded Tamaraws, a win against the reigning champions, the National U Bulldogs, at 5 p.m. would mark their return to the championship round for the first time since the 2017 season of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference.
FEU head coach Edison Orcullo emphasized how significant this achievement would be for the team’s confidence as they prepare for the upcoming UAAP season.
"Importante 'to kasi ang alam ko ang makukuha for Spikers' Turf, top 2 lang eh kaya dapat ma-secure namin 'yon. Kasi kung hindi kami makapasok do'n, wala kaming tournament sa second sem, eh preparation namin 'yun for UAAP," said Orcullo.
Veterans such as team captain Jelord Talisayan, setter Benny Martinez and ace spiker Dryx Saavedra will lead the charge for FEU, while NU will look to UAAP MVP Leo Aringo to force a decider, with strong support from Mac Bandiola and Jan Abanilla.
In the 3 p.m. men’s matchup, the UST Golden Spikers seek to consolidate their Game 1 victory as they face last year's Finals adversaries, the De La Salle University Green Spikers.
UST’s middle blockers, Paul Colinares and Trevor Valera, will be pivotal in sustaining the team's momentum, while La Salle seeks revenge with incoming rookie Chris Hernandez, alongside veterans Yong Mendoza and Rui Ventura, to keep their title defense alive.
On the women’s side, UST and FEU also have a chance to close out their respective semifinal series with the former, under the leadership of returning head coach Kungfu Reyes, facing the reigning champions, College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, at 12 p.m.
Assistant coach Yani Fernandez stressed the importance of maintaining their aggressive approach despite leading the series.
"Reset lang uli. Kahit 'yung kaninang game rin naman, kahit up kami ng two sets, huwag tignan 'yung score, huwag tignan 'yung sets. Stay aggressive; laruin nila 'yung dapat laruin kasi almost a week din naming pinaghandaan 'yung Benilde. Ayaw ko rin namang masayang," said Fernandez.
Jonna Perdido, who made a triumphant return in UST’s Game 1 victory, will aim to repeat her stellar performance, while the Lady Blazers will rely on Mycah Go to lead the fightback.
Meanwhile, the FEU Lady Tamaraws brace for a potential comeback from Casiey Dongallo as the University of the East Lady Warriors attempt to force a decider in their 10 a.m. showdown.
Tin Ubaldo and her teammates will look to close the series in what promises to be an action-packed day of volleyball in this pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
