Far Eastern University-DN Steel secured the first semifinals berth in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference with a dominant straight-sets victory over De La Salle University-EcoOil, 25-21, 25-16, 25-23, on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The two collegiate teams, both hailing from the UAAP, earned their spots in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league as the top finishers in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
FEU triumphed over an undermanned La Salle squad in a grueling three-game finals series during the collegiate tournament.
For the Spikers’ Turf, the Green Oilers had key reinforcements in Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao, and Nathaniel Del Pilar, but the Ultras showcased superior composure and chemistry to improve their record to 7-1.
With the win, FEU-DN Steel clinched a spot in the round-robin semifinals, where they will face another guest team.
The Ultras’ qualification is secured regardless of their result against Cignal on Sunday, as their record is untouchable by the six teams chasing the remaining spots.
Meanwhile, La Salle-EcoOil (4-2) will battle Savouge, who holds the same win-loss record, in a pivotal match.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“‘Yung mindsetting talaga na pinrepare namin, reresbak talaga ‘yung La Salle eh. Thankful din kami kasi ginusto rin ng boys namin na makuha ‘yung match. Actually, hindi ko ineexpect na mag-straight sets eh,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Thankful kasi ‘yung bagay na gusto naming mangyari, ‘yung makalaban ‘yung mga pinakamatitibay na teams dito sa bansa natin, napakalaking karangalan sa amin. Kung papalarin kami makalaro ng Finals, why not?” he added, expressing excitement over advancing to the next stage.
The Green Oilers showed signs of life in the third set, with Kampton and Joshua Magalaman trading points with the Ultras, forcing a 23-all deadlock.
However, Mikko Espartero came through in the clutch for FEU-DN Steel, delivering an off-the-block kill to reach match point.
La Salle’s Chris Hernandez then sent a crosscourt hit wide, sealing the straight-sets win for the Ultras.
Benny Martinez orchestrated a masterful performance for FEU, tallying 17 excellent sets that enabled a balanced offensive attack. Ultras team captain Jelord Talisayan led the charge with 11 points, while Lirick Mendoza contributed 10.
Espartero and Dryx Saavedra chipped in nine points each, with Doula Ndongala adding seven.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
The Ultras also capitalized on 28 free points off La Salle-EcoOil’s errors.
Kampton, a member of the national team Alas Pilipinas, top-scored for the Green Oilers with 13 points, while Magalaman added eight in the losing effort.
La Salle-EcoOil will aim to snap their two-game skid when they take on Criss Cross on Sunday, still at the Ynares Sports Arena.
