FEU’s Benny Martinez during a game against La Salle in Spikers’ Turf.–Photo from Spikers’ Turf
MANILA, Philippines — DN Steel Far Eastern University became the first team to reach the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinal round after sweeping rival EcoOil La Salle, 25-21, 25-16, 25-23, on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Licking the wounds of their tough first loss to Criss Cross last week, the Utras turned to their veterans to regain their winning ways with Benny Martinez orchestrating the offense with 17 excellent sets and skipper Jelord Talisayan tallying a team-high 11 points.
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FEU asserted its mastery of La Salle following its title run in the V-League Collegiate Championship to stay on top of the Spikers’ Turf with a 7-1 record.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Dryx Saavedra helps FEU continue perfect start
Lirick Mendoza was also instrumental for FEU with 10 points. Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra chimed in nine points each, while Doula Ndongala added seven.
“‘Yung mind-setting 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 Ultras coach Eddieson Orcullo.
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“Thankful kasi ‘yung bagay na gusto naming mangyari, ‘yung makalaban ‘yung mga pinakamatibay sa teams dito sa bansa natin napakalaking karangalan sa amin. Kung papalarain kami makalaro ng Finals why not?“
La Salle gave up 28 errors, suffering its second straight defeat with a 4-2 record in fourth place.
Alas Pilipinas standout Noel Kampton led the Green Oilers with 13 points, while Joshua Magalaman added eight as they face the third seed Criss Cross (5-1) on Sunday at 4 p.m.
FEU battles Cignal, which eyes to capture the second semifinals berth on Sunday at 6 p.m.
READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal bounces back with dominant win
The HD Spikers inched a win closer to the semifinals after capturing their fifth straight win for an improved 6-1 record in second place with a 25-16, 25-17, 25-17 rout of the VNS Griffins.
Nas Gwaza, a one-time Best Middle Blocker, led Cignal with 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Jau Umandal added 12 points in two sets played. Steven Rotter contributed nine points, while Mark Calado had eight points.
“This game was important to us. We needed to win to make sure we’ll make it to the Last 4,” said Gwaza.
Cignal coach Dexter Clamor stressed their improvement before facing a tough opponent in FEU on Saturday.
“Marami pa rin kaming unforced errors. Actually this game is not a rest day game for us but it’s really a load management one most especially for those first six na laging ginagamit. We trained yesterday (Thursday), we have a game today (Friday), and we will train tomorrow (Saturday) in preparation for Sunday’s game,” said Clamor.
The Griffins bombed out of semifinal contention with a 3-5 record.
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CJ Segui led VNS with 12 points and nine excellent receptions, while Roderick Medino contributed nine points.
