FAR Eastern University and De La Salle U are tempering expectations but believe they have the talent and determination to make their mark in the highly competitive Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, which kicks off on Oct. 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Both teams seek to build on their impressive campaigns in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, where FEU captured its first-ever title, and La Salle secured a strong runner-up finish.
For FEU, head coach Ed Orcullo understands the tougher challenges ahead as they step into a league with an elevated level of competition compared to the UAAP and the V-League. However, the Tams are fully prepared to rise to the occasion.
“Hindi kami titigil kasi syempre Spikers Turf na in a week or two. Back to the drawing board ulit,” said Orcullo about the conference supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company. “Kasi ang kalaban namin talagang makakatunggali mo doon, marami tayo makukuhang experience at learnings doon ‘eh kaya siguro trabaho lang ulit.”
Team captain Jelord Talisayan shares Orcullo’s sentiments, expressing excitement about facing higher-caliber teams, which could help FEU in their quest for the UAAP title next season.
“Doon kami huhugot ng learnings na pwede namin i-apply papunta ng UAAP. Parati ko dinadasal, wala naman imposible ‘eh, gusto ko ngayong taon tatlong championship makukuha namin,” said Talisayan, who was recently named the V-League Best Outside Spiker.
FEU’s road to another crown will be a tough one, as the Tams aim to improve on their sixth-place finish in last year’s Spikers’ Turf Invitational. With top-tier teams like defending champions Cignal and other strong squads such as D’Navigators Iloilo, PGJC Navy and VNS in the mix, the Tams are aware of the steep challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, La Salle head coach Jose Roque is focusing on building team chemistry, particularly after fielding a revamped roster in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. He is counting on his young team’s cohesion to help them succeed, even against more seasoned opponents.
“Since this tournament is on another level, maybe yung team chemistry ang goal namin at mas tutukan namin na walang doubt,” said Roque. “Skills and techniques are there, but the character of each individual is somehow weak considering my team is young, expecting also that they learned from the V-League.”
One of La Salle’s key players, Noel Kampton, is eager to guide his younger teammates, bringing valuable lessons from his international experience with Alas Pilipinas Men.
Under the mentorship of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, Kampton gained high-level exposure through their training camp in Italy and matches in the SEA V-League, which will be crucial as the Green Spikers compete in the Spikers’ Turf.
“Dadalhin ko sa Spikers Turf ay yung maturity ko sa court. Igguide ko na lang talaga sila and kung ano naexperience na dala ko, lalo na yung nagtraning camp kami, nag SEA V-League, and yung nakalaban namin yung mga Japanese, sobrang ganda talaga na exposure sa akin. Ibang-iba talaga yung training sa collegiate compared sa national team kasi iba talaga yung coaches doon ‘eh – high-level,” said Kampton.
Ten teams are competing in this year’s edition, with regular matchdays featuring games at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and select tripleheader days offering matches at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.
The tournament format will feature a round-robin preliminary phase, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. They will be joined by a guest team for another round-robin phase, with the top two teams squaring off in a winner-take-all championship match.
Both FEU and La Salle target to make a significant impact and gain valuable experience as they compete in this prestigious tournament, while keeping their eyes on the bigger prize – the UAAP crown next year.
All games will air live on One Sports, One Sports+, and through the Pilipinas Live app, which will feature video-on-demand content.
Matches will also be streamed on the official Spikers’ Turf website.
