Manila: FEU-DN Steel bounced back from a three-game slump with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Volleyball Never Stops (VNS) Friday in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila. Dryx Saavedra delivered 13 points off 10 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Lirick Mendoza chipped in 10 points built on eight attacks and two blocks as the Tamaraws improved to a 2-4 record.
According to Philippines News Agency, Charles Absin added eight points, including six blocks in the second set where the FEU-DN Steel rallied from 16-19 to prevail after 25 minutes. 'This game, it's really a matter of mind setting. I don't understand what's going on. But wherever we are now, I know the team will move well towards the UAAP,' FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
Amet Bituin had seven points, while Mikko Espartero made six points and 13 receptions. 'The best thing that happened to us was our game with Criss Cross. That was a good enlightenment for us. Maybe we should hold on to that," said Orcullo about their near-upset of powerhouse Criss Cross - 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 25-21, 15-17 - on Wednesday.
FEU-DN Steel will close its campaign against fellow collegiate squad UST-Gameville on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the same venue. VNS will face winless PGJC-Navy at 1 p.m. Skipper Jerremy Pedrosa scored 10 points on nine attacks and a block, while RK Medino and Kimmy Liray added nine and eight points, respectively, for the VNS Griffins, who fell to 1-5.
