WITH significant playoff implications at stake, National University and De La Salle University face off in a key showdown today (Wednesday) as the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge resumes at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Bulldogs and the Green Spikers enter their crucial 5 p.m. matchup coming of contrasting results. NU is looking to maintain the momentum from its gritty five-set victory over Ateneo, while La Salle seeks to bounce back after suffering its first defeat in five games at the hands of the surging Far Eastern U side.
An NU victory would tie the Bulldogs with the idle UST Golden Spikers for third place, while a win for the Green Spikers would secure them an assured playoff spot and a share of the top spot with the Tamaraws.
“Yung mental toughness tsaka consistency need i-polish bago lumaban against La Salle. Kita mo naman, inconsistent sa services and attacks. Medyo kailangan pa namin linisin mga bato ng setter,” said NU assistant coach Jessie Lopez.
In the men’s matchup, Perpetual Help aims to recover from a shocking five-set loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College as the Altas (2-3) face off against the Blue Eagles (1-4) in a battle of struggling teams at 3 p.m.
Kobe Tabuga and Jefferson Marapoc are expected to lead the charge for the Altas, who are going all out to boost their playoff chances.
Despite being seventh in the eight-team field, Ateneo remains hopeful for a victory, relying on the efforts of Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon.
In the lone women’s encounter, unbeaten University of Santo Tomas looks to secure the first semifinal berth as it collides with Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 12 p.m.
The Golden Tigresses set out to extend their winning streak to five, while the Lady Knights are determined to improve their 1-3 record in the seven-team field in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Games Wednesday
12 p.m. – UST vs CSJL (women’s)
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs UPHSD (men’s)
5 p.m. – NU vs DLSU (men’s)
