Reigning V-League champion La Salle-EcoOil aims to formalize its claim on the first quarterfinals berth as it faces contender Cabstars-Cabuyao in a key Pool B duel even as Perpetual-Kinto Tyres tries to bolster its playoffs bid in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena on Friday.
The Green Oilers go for their fifth straight win against a Cabuyao side also in the thick of things in the battle for the other quarters seat, guaranteeing a slam-bang action in the 1 p.m. match kicking off another triple-bill in the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Cabuyao and VNS are currently tied at second with 3-1 (win-loss) slates.
Led by the 1-2 punch of Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo, La Salle hopes to build on its big five-set victory over Air Force the last time out that saw the Green Oilers overcome Ranran Abdilla’s reccord 47-point explosion for the league’s new scoring mark.
La Salle head coach Jose Roque said he will continue to stick with his big guns in their all-important match against the Cabstars, who will be led by Joshua Ramilo and Gab Magsino.
“One thing is seryosohin talaga namin yung training. Hindi pwedeng kung sino lang yung gusto nilang makalaro considering yung starters ko na halos ang naglalaro,” said Roque.
Meanwhile, Perpetual (2-1) seeks to catch up with Army (3-1) at the second spot in Pool A play as it collides with also-ran Ateneo-Fudgee Barr at 3 p.m.
“Of course paglalabanan din namin kasi Ateneo e, one of the best teams kasi sa bracket namin puro magagaling so pagaaralan din namin sila,” said Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar.
Banking again on the offensive exploits of Louie Ramirez, Perpetual sets out to strengthen its quarterfinals drive against Ken Batas and the Blue Eagles.
Ariel Cacao’s FEU-Chef on a Diet (3-0) also tries to zero in on a berth in the post-elims play as it mixes it up wtih Alpha Omega (1-2) in Pool D at 5 p.m.
