Systema, IEM dispute men’s crown today

SALVADOR Depante of Instituto Estetico Manila tries to score off Karl Ian dela Calzada of Systema in their match last week. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

SYSTEMA Tooth and Gum Care and Instituto Estetico Manila dispute the Shakey’s V-League Third Conference men’s crown in a do-or-die match today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The match is set at 2:45 p.m. with the Active Smashers and Volley Masters seeking to earn the distinction as the league’s inaugural men’s champion.

Far Eastern U and Rizal Technological U also play in another rubber match for third place starting at 12:45 p.m.

The Systema-IEM clash promises to be an explosive affair, judging from the first two games of the series.

The Active Smashers battled back from two sets down to sweep the next three for an improbable 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 16-14 triumph in Game 1.

But the Volley Masters grabbed a lifeline with a thrilling 19-25, 25-19, 13-25, 25-21, 15-13 victory in Game Two to force a sudden death.

“Game 3 will be all about heart,” said IEM coach Ernesto Balubar whose team entered the finals as the top seed.

Balubar believes toughening up on defense, particularly with their reception will be key.

Systema will try to lean on their solid blocking, after Chris Macasaet and Syl Honrade, produced 18 points off blocks in the series opener.

The Volley Masters will try to counter with Jason Canlas and Jeffrey Jimenez, who struck back with 12 blocks in Game 2.

“We should be ready to play at a very high level of intensity,” said Balubar.

Systema coach Arnold Laniog hopes his team can put together one strong stand with the likes of Salvador Timbal, Karl dela Calzada, Eden Canlas and Rudy Gatdula.