Emilio Aguinaldo College had to shake off the feisty Jose Rizal University in three tight sets, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20, in the NCAA Season 95 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
This is the Generals’ fifth straight win in as many outings, keeping pace with league-leading Perpetual.
Team captain Joshua Mina was the epitome of consistency for the Generals after producing a double-edged game. The NCAA Season 94 Second Best Outside Hitter ended with 11 attacks and a block for a total of 12 points; he also helped on the floor defense with 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
“Pinipilit naming maging consistent sa mga skills para magtuluy-tuloy ‘yung magandang laro hanggang sa semifinals,” head coach Rod Palmero commented regarding the Generals’ performance so far.
“Importanteng-importante [‘yung strong start] kasi doon natin makikita kung magtutuluy-tuloy siya hanggang sa huli. So, pinipilit ko lang i-maintain ‘yung pagpanalo,” he continued.
EAC edged out JRU in the scoring skills after a 40-35 lead in attacks and three service aces against nil from the latter. The Bombers gained a slight advantage on blocks, with Arjay Ausina, Reggie Quilban, and Kenneth Daynata combining for four rejections against the opponent’s two.
Last year’s Best Libero Earl Magadan continued to anchor EAC’s passing after ending with whopping 10-of-15 digs and 26-of-28 in receptions. The splendid first ball did not go to waste as first-year setter Vince Imperial tossed a rousing 23 excellent sets.
Daynata ended up as the top-scoring Bomber, with usual top-gun Matthew Miguel stifled by the EAC defense. Daynata finished with 16 markers off 15 spikes and a block. On the other hand, Miguel was limited to single-digit at nine markers, all coming from attacks.
Both EAC and JRU will resume their campaigns on Monday, February 3. The Generals will take the court first against San Beda University in the morning. The Bombers then attempt to snap their losing skid against Mapua University later in the afternoon.
