Games today:
(Paco Arena)
10 a.m. — FEU vs La Salle (m)
12 p.m. — Ateneo vs EAC (m)
2 p.m. — Mapua vs Lyceum (w)
4 p.m. — SSC-R vs Enderun (w)
Confident De La Salle University eyes a share of the early lead in a clash against Far Eastern University in the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge today at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Green Spikers hope to ride the crest of their opening day upset over University of Santo Tomas to beat the Tamaraws in their 10 a.m. curtain-raiser encounter.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University debuts at 12 p.m. against Emilio Aguinaldo College.
La Salle scored a 26-28, 25-18, 28-26, 25-21, come-from-behind win over the stunned Golden Spikers last Friday for a loud statement to the rest of the field.
Skipper JM Ronquillo stepped up big time the last time out with 27 points including 23 kills for the Green Spikers, who are tied with defending champion National University at the second spot.
Reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association champion University of Perpetual Help System DALTA is in solo top spot with a perfect 2-0 win-loss record.
Ronquillo is again expected to deliver more of the same with JJ Rondriguez, national team standout Noel Kampton, Vince Maglinao and Uriel Mendoza providing support.
La Salle did commit 31 errors in its debut but assistant coach Jose Roque is not too worried about the number of miscues his wards make as long as they could sustain their aggressiveness to keep the pressure on their opponents.
"It can't be helped but if we could cover that up with our blockings and in terms of attacking as well as service, we'll be OK," he said.
FEU, on the other hand, seeks to bounce back after absorbing a 22-25, 22-25, 19-25, defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs last Wednesday.
Head coach Eddieson Orcullo will bank on Dryx Saavedra, Jerold Talisayan and Martin Bugaoan to lead the Tamaraws's charge.
In women's play, Mapua University and Lyceum of the Philippines University battle at 2 p.m. to barge into the win column after dropping their respective campaign openers.