FEU-DN Steel remained undefeated, defeating PGJC-Navy in straight sets, 25-19, 29-27, 25-23, to share the top spot in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
This marks the Ultras’ third straight triumph in the Invitationals, which is supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
The Ultras dominated the Sealions in the first set and managed to secure close victories in the following two sets – including a tightly contested second set.
This victory ties them with Savouge at the top of the standings, with both teams holding identical 3-0 records.
“Siguro ano lang talaga, ang dami pang dapat linisin kasi parang nagkakagulo kanina. ‘Yung setter ang kumukuha ng first ball, ‘di alam kung sinong aatake o kukuha,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Ang daming error eh, plus ‘yung moment na service medyo ‘yung service sa second set crucial eh, ang daming tapon. Baka kaya ganun kasi nag-aadjust siguro,” he added.
After taking the first set, the Ultras found themselves trailing Navy 26-27 in the second frame. A crucial net violation from Marvin Villanueva leveled the score at 27-all.
Dryx Saavedra then stepped up, scoring with a cross-court hit followed by an off-the-block attack, giving his team a 2-0 advantage.
The third set featured another tight battle, but a block from Doula Ndongala and a timely ace from Luis Miguel allowed FEU-DN Steel to break a 21-all deadlock and take a narrow 23-21 lead.
Joeven Dela Vega traded hits with Mikko Espartero, who pushed the Ultras to match point with a powerful down-the-line attack. Greg Dolor saved a point for Navy, but it wasn’t enough as Espartero soared above his defenders for the game-sealing kill.
Saavedra led FEU-DN Steel in the one-hour and 29-minute match with 13 points, while Espartero and Lirick Mendoza contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Benny Martinez spearheaded the balanced offensive effort with 19 excellent sets, along with two points. Vennie Ceballos added 15 excellent receptions and three excellent digs for the Ultras.
FEU-DN Steel will aim to extend its winning streak to four games against VNS on Sunday at 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, the Sealions, led by Dela Vega with 16 points – comprised of 13 attacks, two aces, and one block – slipped to a 1-1 record in the standings.
Navy will face D’Navigators Iloilo on Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
