The Philippine Army Troopers finally took a match from rivals Air Force Jet Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League, surviving a tight five-setter in the Open Conference elimination round, 25-20, 23-25, 17-25, 25-22, 16-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Army have claimed their first win over Air Force since the PVL started their men’s division in 2015. According to head coach Sgt. Rico De Guzman, this was a crucial milestone for his team.
“Siyempre, magandang pantaas ng confidence ‘to ng mga tropa kasi nga ilang beses na rin namin silang hindi natatalo dito. Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy ‘to para sa amin,” said De Guzman.
Veteran open hitter Benjaylo Labide powered the Troopers with 20 points, eight digs, and a solid 14-for-26 reception clip. University of Santo Tomas standouts Romnick Rico and Manuel Medina each tallied 11 points.
The Troopers take on Reinforced Conference champs Cignal HD Spikers (2-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
National Team mainstay Ranran Abdilla provided 17 points for Air Force while NU standout Edwin Tolentino added 16.
Air Force (2-1) will to get their title defense back in track against Café Lupe (0-3) July 15, also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Army (3) – Labide 20, Medina 11, Rico 11, Torres 9, Sumagaysay 8, Reyes 6, Tajanlangit 3, Barrcia 2, Carodan 2, Uy (L).
Air Force (2) – Abdilla 17, Tolentino 16, Labrador 12, Malabanan 10, Jeruz 9, Mojica 4, Avila 0, Inaudito 0, Chavez (L).
