Games on August 18, 2024 (Paco Arena)

12:00 p.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (men’s)

2:00 p.m. – UST vs UPHSD (men’s)

The long-standing rivalry between De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University takes center stage on Sunday, August 18, in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena, Manila. This highly anticipated matchup is set to bring intense competition as the two storied teams face off in a crucial pre-season encounter.

Green Spikers vs. Blue Eagles: A Battle of Momentum

De La Salle’s Green Spikers enter the match riding a wave of success, boasting three consecutive victories in the tournament. Their dominant performance has set them up as one of the teams to watch this season. Head coach Jose Roque remains confident but cautious, acknowledging the challenge that Ateneo will bring.

“Alam ko naman na handa yung team eh so pag-aralan lang namin kung ano yung naging strength nila sa previous games nila at the same time ika-counter na lang namin,” Roque stated, highlighting his team’s preparation and strategic focus.

On the other side, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have had a rocky start with a 1-2 record. Despite the setbacks, they are determined to reverse their fortunes and put up a strong fight against their arch-rivals. A victory over La Salle would not only boost their standing in the tournament but also reignite their season momentum.

UST and Perpetual Help Face Off in Another High-Stakes Match

In another exciting matchup scheduled for 2 p.m., the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers will clash with the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD). Both teams are coming off thrilling wins—UST over National University (NU) and Perpetual Help over Far Eastern University (FEU)—and will be looking to build on that momentum.

UST head coach Odjie Mamon is anticipating a tough match, noting the frequent five-set battles between the two teams. “Lagi rin kami nagffive-sets [against Perpetual] ‘eh, it will be an exciting match as well. Marami rin matutunan yung mga players against them,” Mamon said.

The Golden Spikers will rely heavily on standouts JJ Macam and Gboy de Vega, while the Altas will turn to key players Kobe Tabuga and Jefferson Marapoc to lead their charge.

Women’s Division: St. Benilde Eyes Second Straight Win

In the lone women’s match of the day at 5 p.m., defending champion College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers will look to secure their second consecutive win as they take on the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights. The Lady Blazers, currently holding a 1-2 record, are aiming to climb up the standings with another strong performance.

Leading the charge for St. Benilde are Wielyn Estoque and Zamantha Nolasco, who will be crucial in their bid to overcome Letran’s formidable trio of Gia Maquilang, Marie Nitura, and the rest of the Lady Knights.

Key Takeaways:

• De La Salle vs. Ateneo: The Green Spikers aim to maintain their winning streak against a determined Blue Eagles squad.
• UST vs. Perpetual Help: Both teams look to build on recent victories in what promises to be an intense showdown.
• Women’s Match: St. Benilde seeks back-to-back wins as they face off against Letran in the evening match.

As the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge heats up, all eyes will be on today’s matches at Paco Arena. Fans can expect a day filled with high-caliber volleyball action and intense rivalries, with teams battling for supremacy and momentum heading into the heart of the season.

Games are aired live on Solar Sports, vleague.ph/live, and the V-League’s YouTube channel.