De La Salle University and Far Eastern U set out against Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help, respectively, seeking third straight victories in what promises to be a pair of intense showdowns in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge today (Wednesday) at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Green Spikers have had a strong start, sweeping their first two matches, while the Generals are looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses. Despite their contrasting fortunes, La Salle remains cautious of EAC, expecting a fierce and tightly contested battle at 12 noon.
Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque stressed the importance of consistency and discipline as they seek to maintain their undefeated record.
“Siguro yung consistency na lang na determined talaga kami. Yung convincing na laro, without a doubt, yun lang siguro kailangan namin trabahuin. Kung sakali alam nila na kaya namin yung kalaban, kailangan tapusin namin yung kalaban,” said Roque.
In the 2 p.m. matchup, FEU is similarly focused on extending its winning streak to three. The Tamaraws are aware of the challenge posed by the reigning NCAA champions, the Altas, who are aiming for their second win in three games.
Mikko Espartero and Jelord Taliyasan are expected to lead the charge for the Tamaraws, while Perpetual’s new talents, Kobe Tabuga and Hezron Manaloto, look to make an impact.
“Matibay (ang Perpetual). Susulitin namin yung one week na meron kami para magprepare. Pagttrabahuin namin mabuti, lalo’t hindi biro si coach Sammy [Acaylar] kasi beteranong coach ‘yan,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo.
In the day’s only women’s match, FEU will attempt to rebound from its shutout loss to UST as it faces Lyceum at 5 p.m. The Lady Tamaraws, led by Gerzel Petallo, Jean Asis, and Jazlyn Ellarina, are determined to get back on the winning track but will need to overcome the challenge posed by Lyceum’s Heart Bio, Joan Doguna, and the rest of the Lady Pirates, who are winless in two games.
The NU Lady Bulldogs, originally scheduled to face the University of the East today, withdrew due to their participation in international training camps in Taiwan and the VTV Cup in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
All games will be broadcast live on Solar Sports, vleague.ph/live, and the V-League’s YouTube channel.
