IEM girds for ‘war’ vs Systema

Games tomorrow

12:45 p.m. – RTU vs FEU (for third)

2:45 p.m. – Systema vs IEM

MANILA, Philippines - Instituto Estetico Manila vows to toughen up as it sets out for its do-or-die match with Systema Tooth and Gum Care tomorrow for the coveted inaugural men’s crown in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The Volley Masters rallied from 1-2 set down and swept the last two to snatch the win in Game Two last week, sending their best-of-three series to a winner-take-all affair set at 2:45 p.m.

Salvador Timbal and Jeffrey Jimenez starred in that victory with clutch hits in the fifth set with the duo, along with Eden Canlas, Jason Canlas, Rudy Gatdula and Karl dela Calzada, expected to step up once more in a game tipped to be an “all-out war.”

That has been the norm in the first two games of the playoff with Systema also bouncing back from the brink and eking out a thrilling 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 16-14 victory in the opener two weeks ago.

IEM, however, struck back – via the same come-from-behind fashion – 19-25, 25-19, 13-25, 25-21, 15-13 – to set the stage for the rubber match.

“Playing tough is key in Game 3. Forget about what happened in the first two games. It will boil down to who plays tougher in the decider,” said IEM coach Ernesto Balubar.

It could also go down to defense and reception with both teams practically on even terms in power and spiking ability.

Systema coach Arnold Laniog will pin his hopes again on Chris Macasaet, who dished out an impressive 23-hit game in Game Two, pumping the bulk in the third set where the Active Smashers routed the Volley Masters, only to yield the last two and the match.

Macasaet also hopes to draw solid support from Angelo Espiritu, Syl Honrade, Patrick Rojas and Chris Antonio with Laniog also expected to come up with key adjustments, particularly in offense.

Also on tap is the sudden death duel for third between Far Eastern U and Rizal Technological University. Both matches will be aired live starting at 12:45 p.m. on GMA News TV Channel, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

Games can also be viewed live via streaming on www.v-league.ph.