Tougher tests await IEM spikers in Shakey’s V-L

MANILA, Philippines - Pushed to the limit in its conquest of the first-ever Shakey’s V-League men’s crown, Instituto Estetico Manila expects a tougher challenge from a bigger field when it goes for back-to-back next year.

“It’s a proud and heartwarming feeling to become the first champion in the Shakey’s V-League,” said Instituto coach Ernesto Balubar after the Volley Masters outsteadied the Systema Active Smashers in a thriller of a sudden death, 25-21, 24-26, 25-22, 14-25, 15-12, at The Arena in San Juan last Sunday.

“We’ll be back next conference and hopefully we’ll get that chance to win the crown again,” said Balubar. “But it will be a lot tougher next time since more teams will surely be joining the league.”

Sports Vision, organizer of the country’s premier women’s volley league the past 11 years, has put up the men’s division this year as part of its effort to boost the sport among men.

Four teams took part in the inaugural tournament sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel, with IEM and Systema disputing the championship in three matches that all went down-to-the-wire.

“We’ve already received an invitation this early to defend our title next season and for sure, we’ll be joining,” said Balubar.

But he added the team is poised to lose three key players in Renz Ordonez, Rudy Gatdula and Eden Canlas after their original team – Cagayan Valley – signified its intention to put up a men’s squad next conference.

“Cagayan coach Nes (Pamilar) lent me Ordonez, Gatdula and Canlas this conference,” said Balubar. “And as much as I want to have them back, I will have to let them return to their mother team, which is Cagayan,” he added.

Cagayan Valley’s announcement came on the heels of the Rising Suns’ victory in the Reinforced Conference, where they upended the highly fancied Army Lady Troopers in the championship.