La Salle, UST begin V-League title duel

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle U and University of Santo Tomas seek to outhit and outsmart each other in chase of a big head-start in a short title series as Game One of the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals fires off today at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Green Spikers toppled the Golden Spikers, 26-28, 25-18, 28-26, 25-21, in their elims face-off but the title series is an entirely different phase.

“Eliminations are eliminations; finals are different. May aangat, may bababa, it’s a matter of mental game, because physically we are both ready. Andon na ‘yung factor ‘kung sino ‘yung may mas gusto talaga,” said De La Salle top outside hitter JM Ronquillo.

The Green Spikers battled back from one game down in the semis to stun arch rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles while the Golden Spikers trounced the Far Eastern U Tams in their side of the semis playoff.

Sharing the spotlight are FEU and St. Benilde which mount their own battle for the women’s tiara in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and sponsored by Bola.TV Beyond Active Wear, and Mikasa.

Gametime is at 2 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws had to go through some anxious moments before repulsing the Perpetual Help Lady Altas in three games in the semis while the Lady Blazers swept the University of the East Lady Warriors.