FEU, IEM clash for Shakey’s VL men’s lead

Far Eastern U and Instituto Estetico Manila dispute the solo lead in men’s play even as Meralco seeks a breakthrough win in the women’s side at the resumption of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Tamaraws and the Volley Masters collide at 4 p.m. with the winner gaining the upper hand in the standings in what has turned out to be a super competitive tournament with all four matches so far going the distance.

Thwarted in their first two outings, the Power Spikers hope to get their campaign going against a formidable Cagayan Valley squad in the 6 p.m. match.

Meralco lost to Army, before bowing to PLDT last Thursday in straight sets. But the Power Spikers remain dangerous with a core led by Stephanie Mercado and Abby Maraño.

The Volley Masters are reeling from a 22-25, 27-25, 25-12, 27-29, 11-15 loss to the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder last Sunday, a result that forged a four-way tie among FEU, IEM, RTU and Systema at 1-1.

The Tamaraws got the best out of Greg Dolor and Joshua Barrica in a five-set win over the Blue Thunder last Thursday.

And FEU coach Florentino Santos expects more of the same from his lead hitters, who, along with Jeric Gacutan and Franco Camcam, delivered 57 hits against RTU. The Tamaraws are also pinning their hopes on skipper Manolo Refugia and liberos Rikko Marmeto and Leo Marmeto.

Containing the duo of Jeffrey Jimenez and Karl dela Calzada will prove crucial for the Tamaraws. IEM coach Ernesto Balubar has relied heavily on Jimenez, who starred in their victory over Systema last Sunday.

Foiled by Army in their debut, the Rising Suns rebounded by smashing PLDT Home Telpad, 25-17, 25-17, 27-25, to improve to 1-1.