Pulling double-digit performances from four spikers, the Vice Co. Blockbusters rebounded from their first loss of the season by serving the IEM Phoenix Volley Masters their first defeat, 28-30, 25-21, 25-23, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Vice Co.’s cast of FEU standouts powered their charge with Season 80 captain Richard Solis dishing out 17 points, while middle blocker JP Bugaoan added 13. Jude Garcia and Redijohn Paler added 10 points apiece.
The quartet were especially brilliant in the crucial moments of each set, to the delight of head coach Rey Diaz.
“Sinabi lang naming coaches na mag-stick lang sa game plan kasi talaga tinyatiyaga lang kami ng kalaban so dapat ganoon din kami,” said Diaz.
“Maikli lang ‘yung tournament namin kaya every win is crucial talaga para sa amin,” the FEU lifer added.
Lyceum standout Joeward Presnede led IEM with 16 points, while Mark Enciso added 15. The Volley Masters gave up 37 errors to IEM’s 26.
The Blockbusters (2-1) will try to keep their winning ways going against PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters (1-2) on June 2. The Volley Masters (2-1) face the Cignal HD Spikers (1-1) on May 30 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Vice Co. (3) – Solis 17, Bugaoan 13, Garcia 10, Paler 10, Paglinawan 5, Pablico 4, Quiel 4, Malabunga 1, Ramos 1, Suarez 1, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
IEM (1) – Presnede 16, Enciso 15, Dolor 13, Castel 6, Jimenez 4, Macalma 4, Gatdula 2, Conde 1, Cerilles 0, Canlas 0, Almario (L)
