EAC, NCBA seek 2nd Spikers’ Turf victories

Powerhouse Emilio Aguinaldo College goes for its expected place on top even as the emerging National College of Business and Arts tries to impress anew in separate games in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference today at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Generals, the reigning NCAA champions, shoot for a second straight triumph versus Far Eastern University at 1 p.m. and a share of the Group A lead with idle National University in the fledgling men’s volleyball tournament.

The Wildcats also gun for back-to-back wins against Mapua at 5 p.m. to tie Group B leaders Ateneo and University of the Philippines. Sandwiched by the two matches is the 3 p.m. duel between La Salle and Arellano as both squads aim to recover from last week’s setback.

Led by mainstay John Paul Domingo, the Wildcats kicked off their campaign by shocking the Tamaraws in four sets, 25-18, 26-24, 12-25, 25-16, last week.

“We played with intensity,” said NCBA coach Ernesto Balubar, who also credited guest players Edwin Tolentino and Reyson Fuentes for giving the Wildcats an extra lift.

EAC coach Rodrigo Palmero said he expects the Generals, bannered by NCA MVP Howard Mojica, to approximate their impressive 25-15, 25-22, 25-21 whipping of University of the East.

Teaming up with Mojica are Kerth Melliza, Israel Encina, Juviemark Mangaring and guest player Jhon Pagtalunan.