FEU-DN Steel came to its senses and turned back the upset-seeking VNS via a reverse sweep, 23-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-10, to claim solo lead in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The Ultras dropped the first two sets but recovered in the next three, breaking their tie with Savouge and moving to the top spot of the standings with a league-best 4-0 record.
“A win is a win. Kung ano ‘man ‘yung standing ng VNS, medyo pangit ‘man ‘yung showing [namin] nung unang dalawang set, ganun talaga siguro. Kailangan ituon ‘yung utak,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Following a subpar start that saw them down 0-2, the Ultras found ways to fend off the hard-fighting Griffins, including an 8-1 finishing kick in the fourth set that sent the game to a deciding fifth frame.
FEU and VNS engaged in a tight tussle in the clincher, but the former managed to pull away midway through a 5-0 run led by Jelord Talisayan, which gave them an 11-6 advantage over the Griffins.
A service error from Lirick Mendoza and a net violation called on Doula Ndongala gave VNS two free points, but the Congolese middle blocker atoned for his mistake and scored back-to-back points, followed by a Benny Martinez ace to raise the count to 14-8.
Roderick Medino saved a point with a kill, while the Ultras had a miscommunication on defense, which pulled the Griffins to within four. However, Talisayan put on the finishing touch, scoring off the block to finally end the two-hour, three-minute contest.
“Ang lagi nating sinasabi ‘wag mag-relax eh, pero kasi alam mo ‘yung power of the mind kapag sinabing wala pang panalo ‘yung kalaban, medyo pangit ‘yung standing, tapos nasa maganda kang posisyon, ‘yung ganung sistema tumatatak sa utak ng kahit sinong player,” he added.
Ndongala led the way for FEU with 17 points, including six blocks, while Dryx Saavedra contributed 16 points in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Luis Miguel provided the spark off the bench with 13 points, while Talisayan and Mendoza added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Martinez tossed 22 excellent sets to go along with five points, while Vennie Paul Ceballos registered 12 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
The Ultras will face off against the winless Martelli Meats on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Meanwhile, VNS dropped to 1-3, tied with D’Navigators for the seventh and eighth spots.
CJ Segui paced the Griffins with 22 points, along with 13 excellent receptions and four digs, while Medino added 16 points, 15 of which came from attacks.
VNS aims to bounce back against PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.
