Harry Ocay made sure 3B would not suffer another defeat, powering a balanced offensive effort as the Event Masters bounced back for a 25-18, 25-12, 23-25, 25-21 victory over the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After carrying much of the load in their season-opening defeat, Ocay once again led the charge with 21 points on 18 attacks, two aces, and one block. He also had 15 excellent receptions to help 3B even its record at 1-1.
“Yung mindset ko lang is kailangan kong tumulong sa team ko and kailangan kong pumasok, magdepensa, and pumatay ng bola,” said Ocay.
The Jose Rizal University standout had tallied 23 points in 3B’s 25-21, 15-25, 22-25, 16-25 loss to ClearSkiiin, emerging as the team’s lone bright spot. This time, however, he received ample support from his teammates as the Event Masters secured their breakthrough win and handed the Cavaliers their second consecutive defeat.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Carl Berdal chipped in 19 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Christhian Olaes and Ralph Cabalsa contributed 12 points apiece in nearly two hours of action.
Dominic Castaneda dished out 21 excellent sets as he distributed scoring opportunities across the 3B lineup. Joemar Naife and Joshua Datu anchored the floor defense with 10 and nine excellent digs, respectively.
“So sabi ko sa mga players ko, ito na ‘yung isang team na puwede naming talunin, so trabahuhin na namin,” said Event Masters head coach Arjay Francisco. “Noong third set, nadikitan kami kasi nagpasok kami ng stringers para at least ma-experience nila ‘yung live court.
“Nung fourth set, nag-reset ulit kami. Binalik namin ‘yung starters talaga namin so nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” he added.
3B controlled the opening two sets before the veteran-laden AFP shook off its sluggish start to take the third and force a tightly contested fourth frame.
The Event Masters, however, held firm down the stretch. The team capitalized on their commanding 63-48 advantage in attacks to keep the Cavaliers at bay and close out the match in four sets.
3B will look to build on its breakthrough victory when it takes on the Savouge Spin Doctors on Sunday at 1:00 PM at the same venue, with a second consecutive win on the line.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, AFP absorbed its second straight defeat to fall to 0-2 in the standings.
Ranran Abdilla, who missed the Cavaliers’ opening-game loss to defending champion Criss Cross, led AFP with 26 points on 24 attacks, one ace, and one block. He also tallied 11 excellent receptions.
Herald Domingo added 10 points, while Edwin Tolentino and Kevin Liberato contributed eight points apiece.
AFP will aim to get back on track against AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
