FEU's Jelord Talisayan attacks the net defense of La Salle in the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 22, 2024 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. PVL MediaMANILA -- DN Steel-Far Eastern University is the first team to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, after a straight-sets win over EcoOil La Salle on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Ultras turned back their fellow collegiate squad, 25-21, 25-16, 25-23, to improve to 7-1 in the tournament.
FEU got the job done even with La Salle featuring the trio of Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao, and Nathaniel Del Pilar, who were absent when the two squads faced off in the V-League Collegiate Challenge finals last month.
"'Yung mind-setting talaga na pinrepare namin, reresbak talaga 'yung La Salle eh," said Ultras head coach Eddieson Orcullo. "Thankful din kami kasi ginusto rin ng boys namin na makuha 'yung match. Actually, hindi ko ine-expect na mag-straight sets."
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Team captain Jelord Talisayan led the way for FEU with 11 points, while Lirick Mendoza added 10 markers. Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra added firepower with nine points each, while Doula Ndongala chipped in seven to showcase their balanced offense.
Benny Martinez was credited with 17 excellent sets in the win. The Ultras also benefited from the Green Oilers' 28 unforced errors.
After falling behind by two sets, La Salle kept in step with FEU in the third frame in a bid to extend the match. However, back-to-back errors -- a service miscue by MJ Fortuna and a lifting violation by Joshua Magalaman -- put the Ultras ahead, 23-22.
A Noel Kampton hit knotted the count at 23, but Espartero responded to put the Ultras at match point before Chris Hernandez's last attack went long for La Salle.
The Green Oilers challenged the point for a net touch, but the referees decided in FEU's favor to confirm the result.
Kampton had 13 points in the losing effort, while Magalaman added eight.
After opening their campaign with four straight wins, the Green Oilers have now dropped back-to-back matches for a 4-2 card.