TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines (TIP) tests the mettle of San Sebastian College as they clash for the quarterfinals berth in Group A of Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
With both squads sporting a 2-1 win-loss record apiece, the Lady Engineers and the Lady Stags battle at 4 p.m., with the winner pocketing a quarterfinal seat.
Group A cellar dwellers Ateneo de Manila and University of Perpetual Help, both teams that have yet to win a match after two games, square off at 6 p.m. as they try to keep their quarterfinals hopes alive.
TIP, playing on its second tournament in V-League, has been impressive this conference, as guest players Mylene Paat of Adamson and De La Salle stalwart Chie Saet are clicking together with the Lady Engineers to win two of their last three matches, including a huge upset over Ateneo.
They lost to National University (NU) in their next game before bouncing back against Perpetual Help.
TIP Head Coach Achilles Paril wants his team to show improvement as the tournament gets tougher.
“Actually hindi pa lumalabas ‘yung gusto lumabas sa team,” Paril said after their 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 conquest over the Lady Altas on Wednesday. “Gusto ko ma-lessen pa ‘yung errors namin kasi sobra kami sa errors at aayusin pa namin ‘yung floor defense at ‘yung blocking.”
Paril is wary of the Lady Stags, led by reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Open Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) Grethcel Soltones.
San Sebastian is coming off an amazing third-set comeback last week where the Lady Stags fought their way back from a 10-23 deficit to beat the Lady Eagles.
“We need to win para sigurado kaming papasok pero hindi ganun kadali kasi San Sebastian ‘yan, alam naman natin na malakas sila,” Paril added.
Meanwhile, University Athletic Association of the Philippines rivals NU and De La Salle clash at 12 noon, with the Bulldogs eyeing the solo lead in Group A.
University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines meet at 10 a.m., with the winner sharing the Group B lead with Ateneo.