The IEM Volley Masters rallied from huge deficits at several junctures to come away with a straight sets win over the 100 Plus Active Smashers, 25-22, 25-19, 25-23 in the Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
IEM shuffled their lineup throughout the match, keeping 100 Plus on their heels. Trailing 18-21 in the first set, the Volley Masters mounted their first comeback, using quick transitions from defensive plays to force a 22-all tie. Two 100 Plus attack errors buoyed IEM to the set win.
The Volley Masters then dominated the second frame from the onset, taking advantage of 100 Plus’ poor ball control to take a 17-11 lead. Active Smasher Pemi Bagalay tried to bring his squad back, getting a block then a smash to cut IEM’s lead down to four, 20-16. But the Volley Masters had the set well in hand thanks to timely digs and blocks which pushed them well ahead.
The third set saw another IEM rally, erasing 100 Plus’ 17-13 advantage for a 22-all tie. The Active Smashers threatened to take the set after a Sarabia block gave them a 23-22 lead, but the Volley Masters responded with two blocks from Kheeno Franco, before a Jasper Adorador hit sailed out.
“Naghanap talaga kami ng tamang mix ng tao sa loob ng court. Luckily, my players were ready to step up noong tinawag ko ang mga pangalan nila,” said IEM head coach Ernesto Balubar.
Every IEM player, bar the liberos, logged in points, led by team captain Edan Canlas’ seven markers. Franco, Daryl Valenzuela, and Michael Zamora each provided six points. Bagalay was the lone double-digit scorer for the match with 17 points.
IEM (2-0) next face the Air Force Airmen (2-0) on October 26, 12:30 pm at the PhilSports Arena. 100 Plus (0-3) take on Champion Infinity (0-1) on Monday, 12:30 pm at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
IEM (3) – Canlas E. 7, Franco 6, Valenzuela 6, Zamora 6, Torres 5, Arbasto 4, Conde 4, Guanzon 4, Molate 4, Vecina 3, Cerilles 1, Canlas J. 1, Ramos (L), Lozada (L)
100 Plus (0) – Bagalay 17, Adorador 6, Sarabia 6, Duran 3, Barrica 2, Exconde 2, Wada 2, Ocampo 1, Aureo 0, Cuzon 0, Lucindo 0, Chua (L), Eugenio (L)
