Games Sunday
2 p.m. – D’Navigators vs Savouge
4 p.m. – EcoOil La Salle vs Criss Cross
6 p.m. – DN Steel FEU vs Cignal
DN Steel Far Eastern U demonstrated an offensive masterclass as it overwhelmed EcoOil La Salle with a decisive 25-21, 25-16, 25-23 victory, claiming the first semifinal berth in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday.
The Ultras’ offense was a dazzling display of versatility, blending power and precision that left the Green Oilers scrambling to set up their defenses. FEU unleashed a wide arsenal of attacks, from pinpoint quick hits to off-the-block strikes, repeatedly outplaying its opponent and maintaining control majority of the match.
Despite the presence of La Salle’s formidable trio – Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao, and Nathaniel Del Pilar – the FEU Ultras showcased their dominance, cruising to a straight-set victory over the Green Oilers. The win not only improved the Ultras’ record to an impressive 7-1 but also secured their spot in the next round, which will be further heightened by the inclusion of a guest squad.
The La Salle trio was absent during last month’s V-League Collegiate Challenge sudden-death finale, where FEU narrowly edged the Green Oilers to clinch the championship. Their return was expected to tip the scales in La Salle’s favor this time, but the Ultras proved their mettle once again, executing a superb performance that left no room for a reversal.
DN Steel thus bounced back from a four-set loss to Criss Cross last Sunday that snapped the Ultras’ impressive six-game run.
“‘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 head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“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?“ he added.
Benny Martinez orchestrated a masterful performance, delivering 17 excellent sets that powered a well-balanced offensive assault the Green Oilers simply couldn’t contain.
Leading the charge for the FEU-DN Steel Ultras was team captain Jelord Talisayan, who tallied 11 points, with strong support from Lirick Mendoza, who contributed 10 markers.
Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra added firepower with nine points each, while Doula Ndongala chipped in seven. The Ultras also capitalized on their opponents’ struggles, netting 28 free points off La Salle-EcoOil’s unforced errors.
For the Green Oilers, Alas Pilipinas standout Noel Kampton stood out with 13 points, while Joshua Magalaman added eight. Despite their efforts, the balanced attack and disciplined play of the Ultras proved too much to overcome, sealing the Green Oilers’ second consecutive defeat.
The third set began with the Green Oilers keeping pace with the Ultras, refusing to let the match slip away without a fight. They even surged ahead to a 22-21 advantage following a well-placed through-the-block hit by Kampton, giving La Salle a glimmer of hope.
However, the momentum quickly shifted when MJ Fortuna’s serve found the net, and a subsequent lifting violation by Magalaman handed FEU a 23-22 lead, leaving La Salle coach Jose Roque visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Kampton briefly reignited the Green Oilers’ push, delivering a sharp hit to level the score at 23-all. But FEU responded with composure, as Espartero smashed a tough off-the-block hit, perfectly set up by a brilliant one-handed effort from setter Ariel Cacao, reclaiming the lead for the Ultras.
The decisive moment came in the final rally. Chris Hernandez unleashed a loaded attack that sailed long, sparking celebrations on the FEU side.
La Salle immediately challenged the point, arguing for a net touch against the Ultras. But the referee ruled that the ball had landed outside before any net contact, confirming the Ultras’ 25-23 set win and their straight-set triumph in the match.
The ruling sealed the victory for FEU, whose combination of poise and power proved too much for the Green Oilers in critical moments.
After a hard-fought opening set, which FEU clinched with a key service error from Magalaman, the Ultras shifted into overdrive in the second set. Their quick transitions and varied offensive play, including a thunderous kill from Ndongala, created a commanding 13-6 lead.
Not even a La Salle timeout could cool their momentum, as they built a double-digit cushion 16-6 that the Green Oilers had cut down to 11-17. But Talisayan added the finishing touches to the set with a well-timed off-the-block hit and a clinical service ace, effectively dashing La Salle’s hopes of a comeback, 19-11.
FEU’s spiking was particularly impressive, with hitters executing a mix of crosscourt bombs, sharp-angle kills and quick middle attacks. The speed and accuracy of their offense consistently disrupted La Salle’s defensive schemes, forcing the Green Oilers into numerous errors.
