Starting slow once more, the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers buckled down and completed a hijack against the Instituto Estetico Manila Phoenix Volley Masters, 13-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-22, 16-14, Wednesday morning in San Juan City.
“Parang nangyari sa amin, parang diesel na matagal bago uminit. Pero yung third set na-gain nila yung confidence nung nakuha namin yung set na iyon. Sabi ko, yung intensity nagtuloy tuloy kaya medyo gumanda yung laro namin,” coach Clarence Esteban said.
Ranran Abdilla carried the Jet Spikers with 21 points, all from kills plus a service ace. He was supported by Nino Jeruz, Rueben Inaudito, and Howard Mojica all with 12 points each.
IEM was initially running the show led by Mark Enciso with 20 points and Kurl Rosete with 18 points but eventually Abdilla’s attacks and Nino Jeruz’s crucial blocks extended the match to five sets.
It was still a seesaw battle in the last set as IEM managed to tie at 14-all when Air Force was called for a net touch violation. In the next possession, Howard Mojica’s spike went off the block to advance to 15-14. In the end, Air Force completed their comeback with a Nino Jeruz ace, 16-15.
Mark Enciso and Greg Dolor paced the Phoenix Volley Masters with 20 and 12 points respectively.
Air Force improves to a 4-1 win loss slate. They will meet rivals Cignal next on July 22 without their national team players.
“Sa sunod mawawala si Ranran [Abdilla], same sa kabila [Cignal] si [Mark Gil] Alfafara din. Pero ganun pa rin naman ang game plan namin,” Esteban said.
On the other hand, IEM now at 2-3, will meet Army next on July 23. – By: Danine Cruz
The Scores:
Air Force (3) – Abdilla 21, Mojica 12, Inaudito 12, Jeruz 12, Malabanan 8, Tolentino 2, Lpez 1, Labrador 1, Chavez (L), Marmeto (L)
IEM (2) – Enciso 20, Rosete 18, Dolor 12, Conde 8, Sarcena 6, Gatdula 5, Villegas 4, Guanzon 2, Melgar 1, Longavela (L)
