DN Steel-FEU responded to coach Eddieson Orcullo’s challenge late in the second set, rallying to a 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, 25-15 victory over Martelli Meats in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference eliminations on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The win elevated the Ultras to solo leadership, extending their unbeaten run to five games.
Orcullo didn’t hold back his disappointment in their impending second-set loss, questioning his team’s focus and commitment against the winless Master Butchers. His harsh words seemed to spark the Ultras, who rebounded in the swing set, taking control midway through and building momentum with a commanding lead early in the fourth to secure the win.
The Master Butchers, still in search of their first victory in five games, showed flashes of an upset after seizing the second set, outmaneuvering the recent V-League Collegiate Challenge champions with a strong offense and impressive defensive stand.
But DN Steel-FEU regrouped to dominate the next two sets, making up for its earlier lapses and maintaining its undefeated status heading into a highly anticipated match against the also-unbeaten Savouge Spin Doctors tomorrow (Sunday).
"Look at the way they’re attacking – front, open. And your defense in the back – you’re not even talking to each other,” Orcullo told his players in Filipino during a late second-set timeout.
The pep talk seemed to work, as the Ultras pulled away midway in the third and surged to a 10-3 lead early in the fourth, setting the stage for their hard-fought four-set triumph.
"You know, when you just keep up with the other team's game, it's like it's okay to give away a set or two because you know you'll win in the end – but that's wrong," said Orcullo. "They need to understand that if you can finish it that quickly, then that's how it should be done."
Led by Lirick Mendoza, Dryx Saavedra and Jelord Talisayan, FEU-DN Steel secured the third set by nine points..
The Ultras then carried that momentum into the fourth as Saavedra, Jomel Codilla and Chad Absin steered them to a 10-3 start on their way to the one-hour and 34-minute victory.
Saavedra finished with a game-high 17 points on 15 attacks, while Mikko Espartero backed him up with 13 points and eight excellent receptions.
Skipper Jerome Cordez carried the fight for the Master Butchers with 13 points while Angelo Reyes contributed 12 markers.
Martelli Meats will next face Criss Cross on Wednesday.
