Youth reigned victorious over experience this time as Champion Supra Spikers dominated Philippine Army Troopers in straight sets, 25-13, 25-16, and 25-22, to post their second straight win in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Reinforced Conference Saturday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Arjay Onia led the Supra Spikers with 11 markers off 10 attacks and a service ace. Berlin Paglinawan, who delivered the final blow in the third set through a soft shot in the middle, supplied nine points all from attacks. Setter Geuel Asia had 22 excellent sets.
A one-sided affair ensued in the opening set in favor of the much younger Supra Spikers, who switched a slim 8-5 lead to a wider gap at 18-10 midway. The Troopers succumbed in errors all through out, helping Champion, behind Onia and Asia’s open kills and aces, to earn a 1-0 set lead with ease, 25-13.
Army came back from their dismal output in the first set, improving their first ball and quick attacks to keep close despite lagging behind, 16-13. However, that proved to be the nearest they can get, as Champion received boost from Onia and Mike Frey towards a 9-3 spree to win the frame with a wide cushion, 25-16
Both squads traded rallies come the third period. Army took an early 8-7 lead, but the Supra Spikers went back to take the driver’s seat, 17-14. Army still fought back led by kills from Patrick Rojas and Joel Villonson, 22-21, but failed to close it in their favor as they made errors that aided Champion to win the match via sweep, 25-22.
Supra Spikers’ head coach Arnold Laniog attributed Champion’s second win in a row with the team’s improved familiarity, which became vital in their previous win against 100Plus.
“Medyo nagge-gel na kami completely,” said Laniog. “Nag-start na siya nung nanalo kami against 100Plus. Tsaka syempre galing sa panalo, so maganda connection and energy.”
“At saka gumana rin yung blockings namin pati service at receive,” Laniog furthered.
No one from the Troopers scored in double figures in today’s loss, which sends them to their second straight loss and drops them to 1-2. Villonson and Michael Reyes led Army with seven apiece.
Champion (2-2) will have a long lay-off before facing league leaders Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers on November 2, Wednesday. Army (1-2) will next battle Cignal HD Spikers on Monday, October 24, which will be the final leg of a tough three-game stretch that started last October 17.
The Scores:
Champion (3) – Onia 11, Paglinawan 9, Camaganakan 8, Del Pilar 4, Jose 3, Frey 2, Mandani 1, Honrade 1, Asia 1, Relata 0, Movido L, Mangaring L.
Army (0) – Reyes 7, Villonson 7, Rojas 6, Baloaloa 5, Oxciano 4, Depamaylo J. 4, Labide 3, Reyes E. 3, Abdulmajid 1, Depamaylo N. 0, Uy L, Bayking L.
