La Salle, UP eye No. 2 in Spikers tilt

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle and University of the Philippines slug it out today for the No. 2 spot in Group B even as Ateneo goes for a sweep against St. Benilde at the close of the elims of the Spikers’ Turf Season 1-Collegaite Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The four teams are actually assured of spots in the quarters but all are seeking victories for the needed momentum in the next phase of the action-packed tournament presented by PLDT Home Ultera and featuring the country’s top men’s volley teams from various leagues.

The Eagles, the reigning UAAP champions, expect a tough challenge from the Blazers as they try to match National U’s sweep of Group A elims. But the Taft-based squad is also going all out not only to improve its 2-2 card but also bring the winning feeling to the tough quarters phase, particularly over a fancied team.

Gametime is at 5 p.m.

The La Salle-UP match at 1 p.m. also promises to be a fierce duel with both teams out to finish with 4-1 mark and possibly gain a share of top spot in case of a St. Benilde reversal.

The Archers swept their next three games after dropping a 1-3 setback to the Eagles with coach Ronald Dulay to bank again on John Onia, Raymark Woo, Ralph Calasin, Cris Dumago, Japet Movido and playmaker Geuel Asia.

The Maroons also suffered their lone loss to the Eagles but like the Archers won the three other games with UP mentor Melchor Santos to pin his hopes on top scorer Alfred Valbuena, Wendel Miguel, Mark Millete, top blocker Julius Raymundo and setter Charles Acuna.

NCBA, on the other hand, tries to shore up its record to 3-2 as it collides with winless University of the East in the lone Group A match at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the National U-Emilio Aguinaldo College game last Monday will be shown today (Wednesday) starting at 3:30 p.m. on PTV 4. Games are aired on a delayed basis from Monday to Friday while Saturday telecast begins at 9:15 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision.