Far Eastern University-DN Steel delivered a strong message in its debut in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, finishing Chichi DHTSI in four sets, 25-16, 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, at the Ynares Sports Arena, Friday.
The Tamaraws qualified for the men’s premier league of Sports Vision by ruling the V-League Collegiate Challenge just weeks ago over De La Salle University, which was also admitted to the Turf.
The Titans’ attacking and blocking came alive in the third set along with crucial errors from the Ultras, the monicker the Tamaraws will be using this conference, as Jelord Talisayan’s crosscourt hit went wide to give Chichi the set point before Rafael Del Pilar blocked Talisayan to extend the match.
FEU though learned its lessons quickly and applied it in the fourth set with a strong 8-3 start and fended off any comeback attempt from Chichi DHTSI.
“Actually kung makikita yung galaw ng bawat isa ang bigay dahil nasa loading period kami ulit. Nagdeload kami nung sa Finals ng V-League tapos ngayon nagloloading kami kaya medyo sore ‘yung katawan,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo as his team joined Criss Cross, D’Navigators, and Savouge at 1-0.
“Ang habol talaga namin dito ay ‘yung experience na makukuha pero well kung mabigyan ng pagkakataon makasama sa top four mas maganda di ba? Kaya naman kami nandito para baunin ‘yung experience na makukuha dito sa Spikers’ Turf,” he added.
Five players reached double figures for the Ultras led by Jelord Talisayan’s 14 points in three sets played. Mikko Espartero added 13 points, while Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza each made 12 points.
Charles Absin also flourished with 11 points in just two sets while Vennie Ceballos tallied 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
FEU will be back on Sunday against the D’Navigators Iloilo, still at the same Pasig venue.
Christian Alicante had 15 points as the Titans dropped to 0-2. Jonathan Sorio also delivered 12 points in the loss.
The road for Chichi DHTSI will not get any easier as it will face the 2024 Open Conference champions Cignal on Tuesday at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
