Far Eastern University-DN Steel shrugged off a second-set slip and regained its footing for a 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-15 win over Martelli Meats in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Friday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Ultras now hold solo first place with a 5-0 record, ahead of the idle Savouge Spin Doctors at 4-0.
FEU-DN Steel and Savouge will battle for the top spot on Sunday at 2 p.m., still at the Pasig venue.
“Alam mo ‘yung sumasabay ka sa laro ng kabila, okay lang din kung magbigay ka ng isa o dalawang set, alam mo sa dulo mananalo ka, pero mali eh. Dapat maintain sa isip nila na kung kaya mo matapos nang ganon kabilis, dapat ganon,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo, lamenting their second-set performance.
While the Master Butchers evened the match at one set apiece with a dominant second frame, the Ultras responded immediately, regaining the momentum.
Led by Lirick Mendoza, Dryx Saavedra, and Jelord Talisayan, FEU-DN Steel secured the third set by nine points, 25-16.
The Ultras carried that momentum into the fourth, with Saavedra, Jomel Codilla, and Chad Absin leading them to a 10-3 start, en route to the four-set triumph in one hour and 34 minutes, keeping the Master Butchers winless in five games.
Saavedra finished with a game-high 17 points on 15 attacks, while Mikko Espartero added 13 points and eight excellent receptions.
Skipper Jerome Cordez led the fight for the Master Butchers with 13 points, while Angelo Reyes contributed 12.
Martelli Meats’ next game will be on Wednesday against Criss Cross.
