In their respective collegiate leagues, the EAC Generals and UE Red Warriors finished on different ends of the spectrum. Fresh off an NCAA title run, the Generals easily rolled past the UE Warriors, who failed to record a win in the UAAP, in straight sets 25-15, 25-22, 25-21 in the inaugural Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference presented by PLDT Home Ultera at the FilOil Flying-V Arena.
UE simply had no counter for EAC’s torrid offensive pace. EAC totaled 41 attacks with a nearly 50% attacking clip and also served up four service aces to UE’s zero. Reigning NCAA MVP, Howard Mojica was especially destructive, firing off a game-high 17 points on 16 for 33 attacking. Kerth Melliza added 12 markers and team captain Isarael Incina pitched in 11 points.
In contrast to the Generals who had most of their championship core intact, the Red Warriors are in the middle of long-term rebuilding plan and have just lost the services of key players due to graduation.
Without last season’s team captain, Ace Mandani and fiery libero Carlo Almario, UE floundered in their season debut once their nasty habit of over-setting to UAAP Rookie of the Year, Edward Camposano. Three-time UAAP Junior’s MVP, Camposano still managed to muster 13 points but made crucial errors along the way when the EAC blockers got a feel for his attacking. Rookie, Ruvince Arbot was the only Warrior to creep close to Camposano’s virtuoso effort, tallying seven points.
The Generals have another rebuilding UAAP team, FEU slated next on Wednesday, July 22. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors have a tough task ahead of them on Monday, July 20 with UAAP finalists NU Bulldogs standing in the way of their first win.
The Scores
EAC (3) – Mojica 17, Melliza 12, Encina 11, Doguna 6, Pagtalunan 2, Arias 1, Barbuco 0, Cilocilo 0, Mangaring (L)
UE (0) – Camposano 13, Abrot 7, Alba 3, Aljas 3, Lelic 2, Magdaong 2, Umandal 2, Ortega 1, Imperial 1, Adviento 1, Inoferio (L), Sawal (L)
