The IEM Phoenix Volley Masters did not leave anything to fate, grabbing the last quarterfinals spot in Group A of the in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the expense of VNS VC, 25-23, 16-25, 25-14, 25-19, Thursday at the Paco Arena, Thursday.
“Salamat sa Diyos at nakuha namin. Siguro yung consistency tsaka yung communication sa loob, yun yung gumana sa amin. Gumana lahat, nag-perform yung mga pinasok ko nung huli,” said IEM head coach Pathie Jamiri.
With the victory, the Volley Masters posted a 4-1 win-loss slate and joined Cignal as the two quarterfinalists in Group A.
Jonarth Molinyawe paced IEM’s balanced offensive attack with 11 points built on six attacks, three aces, and two blocks. Angelo Torres and Joeven Camaganakan contributed eight points apiece, while Razzel Palisoc added seven markers.
On the other hand, Cris Dumago and Jason Sarabia each scored 13 points for VNS, who officially bowed out of the playoff race with a 2-2 card.
Also capping off their respective elimination round campaigns with a victory were Hachiran-Far Eastern University and Lyceum.
Coming off a crucial loss against PLDT, the Tamaraws vented their frustrations on the skidding San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags, 25 -8, 25-12, 28-26, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“Sa amin malaking bagay ‘to, kasi depende pa sa kalalabasan ng PLDT tsaka Coast Guard. Pero siyempre, kailangan trabahuhin namin ng maigi para sa UAAP. Kailangan namin pagigihan pa ng gusto,” said FEU assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo.
FEU team captain JP Bugaoan spearheaded the attack with 15 points on nine hits, four blocks, and two aces. Meanwhile, fellow middle hitter Peter Quiel converted nine hits for 10 markers to give the Tamaraws a 3-2 card.
Rookie Jose Javelona provided six points, while Mark Calado — who is coming off a 29-point outburst — only had five points in the win.
Reynald Honra continued to be the lone bright spot for the Golden Stags with 10 points, all from the attacking department.
San Sebastian finished the tournament winless with a 0-5 standing.
Juvic Colonia and the Pirates finished their Open Conference on a winning note, dismantling the also-ran Centro Escolar University in four sets, 25-16, 25-23, 18-25, 25-21.
Lyceum skipper Colonia tallied 18 points on 15 hits and three blocks to go along with eight excellent digs to lead the Pirates to their only win, ending their campaign with a 1-4 standing in Group B.
“Unang-una, kailangan namin i-build up yung confidence namin since galing kami sa baba, sa dulo. Saka gagawin naming maayos yung trainings and applications sa actual game,” said Colonia of the Pirates, who now turn their focus on their upcoming NCAA Season 95 stint.
Eddsel Borres provided 16 points in the victory while also collecting seven excellent receptions.
Kian Moral proved to be a force on the defensive end for the Pirates with 19 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
CEU, who exited the tournament with a 0-5 card, were led by the troika of Franciso Naagas, Angelito De Guzman, and Carlo Villahermoso with 11 points each.
