The battle for the 2024 V-League Collegiate Conference men’s and women’s crowns comes down to a pair of thrilling sudden deaths with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and De La Salle University Green Spikers aiming to build on their Game 2 wins and seize the championships.
Both teams now have momentum on their side as they head into the decisive Game 3 against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and the FEU Tamaraws men’s squad, respectively.
This rare occurrence of dual sudden deaths in the same pre-season tournament has raised the stakes, setting the stage for a dramatic Friday at the Philsports Arena.
The women’s match between FEU and UST kicks off at 2 p.m., followed by the men’s battle between FEU and DLSU at 5 p.m.
FEU turned what appeared to be a championship point for UST into a heart-stopping comeback in Game 2. Confetti fell as the Golden Tigresses celebrated prematurely, only for the Lady Tams to win a last-second challenge and change the entire complexion of the match.
What followed was one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the tournament, as FEU edged out UST, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15, to force the deciding game.
FEU captain Tin Ubaldo emphasized that their focus for Game 3 remains the same, but with added emphasis on minimizing errors.
“Same mindset, same mentality, we mean business. But less errors, less miscues, i-polish ‘yung galaw, polish ng communication,” said Ubaldo.
Jean Asis, Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina are also expected to power the Lady Tams in their quest for the title, as they brace for the likely return of UST MVP Angge Poyos, who missed Game 2 due to illness.
“Nagpapahinga siya kasi nagkasakit. Hoping na makabalik siya ng Game 3,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes, who will also need key performances from Renee Penafiel, Pia Abbu, Jonna Perdido, and Regine Jurado to maintain composure under pressure.
In the men’s division, the DLSU Green Spikers, buoyed by the return of their ace spiker Noel Kampton, captured Game 2 with a decisive 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20 victory, keeping their hopes alive for back-to-back titles.
Kampton’s return from international duties reinvigorated the squad, helping them turn the tables on FEU after their Game 1 defeat.
Coach Jose Roque credited the team’s perseverance for the Game 2 victory, saying, “Sobrang happy. All the hard work in training paid off, and the team gave their best effort. Kung gusto niyong manalo, ilaban niyo lang. Mindset lang, make sure kalmado at walang panic.”
While Kampton's return provided a much-needed boost, Roque noted that he is still regaining his rhythm after missing several weeks of training while with the national team.
“He just returned yesterday. Hopefully, he adjusts in these next two days,” Roque added.
Chris Hernandez and Glen Ventura will also play critical roles for DLSU, as they prepare to face an FEU squad looking to recover. The Tamaraws will rely on their core players Dryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza, and Jerold Talisayan to regain the upper hand and claim the men’s championship.
