The confetti came a little bit early in Game 2 of the V-League Collegiate Conference finals for the UST Golden Tigresses. The FEU Lady Tamaraws snatched the chance for a dramatic turnaround.
The battle for the 2024 V-League Collegiate Conference men’s and women’s championships intensifies as the stage is set for two sudden-death matches on October 2, following a series of unexpected twists.
Women's Finals Game 2: A Dramatic Turn of Events
In a nail-biting Game 2 of the women’s finals, the FEU Lady Tamaraws turned what seemed to be a championship point for the UST Golden Tigresses into a thrilling comeback.
The court was showered with confetti as UST celebrated what they believed was their victory, only to have the narrative completely altered by a last-second challenge from FEU.
With the score at 14-13 in the decisive fifth set, Cassie Carballo executed a perfectly timed 1-2 play, set up by Jonna Perdido, seemingly clinching the championship point for UST. The celebration erupted, but the FEU coaching staff promptly challenged the play, citing a net touch violation. The review confirmed that Carballo’s left hand had made contact with the net during her descent.
“'Di ko nakita na nag-challenge pero super hinayang nung time na ‘yun. Pero nung nagbalik ‘yung point, talagang hindi ko binitawan ‘yung chance na binigay,” said FEU team captain Tin Ubaldo, who remained on the court amidst the unexpected confetti storm.
After the confetti was cleared, the match resumed at a tense 14-all. The Lady Tamaraws defended against two more championship points before Ubaldo’s critical block shifted momentum. A miscommunication from UST allowed a free ball to drop unchallenged between three players, sealing FEU's comeback.
The Lady Tamaraws ultimately triumphed, winning 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15, and forcing a deciding Game 3.
“Same mindset, same mentality, we mean business. But less errors, less miscues, i-polish ‘yung galaw, polish ng communication,” Ubaldo emphasized.
FEU's hopes are buoyed by the contributions of Jean Asis, Faida Bakanke, and Jaz Ellarina as they prepare for the potential return of UST’s MVP, Angge Poyos, who missed Game 2 due to illness.
“Nagpapahinga siya kasi nagkasakit. Hoping na makabalik siya ng Game 3,” shared UST coach Kungfu Reyes.
Game 3 is set for Friday, October 4, at 2 p.m.
[ALSO READ: Golden MVPs: Angge Poyos, Gboy de Vega of UST pick up top 2024 V-League honors]
Men's Finals Game 2: DLSU Green Spikers Prevail
In the men's finals, the DLSU Green Spikers, energized by the return of ace spiker Noel Kampton, claimed Game 2 with a decisive 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20 victory, keeping their championship defense hopes alive.
Coach Jose Roque praised the team’s determination for the victory.
"Sobrang happy. All the hard work in training paid off, and the team gave their best effort. Kung gusto niyong manalo, ilaban niyo lang. Mindset lang, make sure kalmado at walang panic," he remarked.
While Kampton's comeback from national team duties was a significant boost, Roque noted that he is still finding his rhythm after a break from training.
Chris Hernandez and Glen Ventura are also poised to play pivotal roles for DLSU as they prepare to face an FEU squad eager to reclaim their dominance. The Tamaraws will rely on key players Dryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza, and Jerold Talisayan to regain control and vie for the men’s championship.
The men’s championship clash between FEU and DLSU is scheduled for 5 p.m.