Martelli Meats secured its first victory of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, sweeping Chichi, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19, in a battle of underperforming teams at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Playing with no pressure, the Master Butchers dominated the Titans, ending a grueling six-game losing streak and improving their win-loss record to 1-6 in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Martelli Meats head coach Michael Conde credited the team’s relaxed playstyle for unlocking their true potential, which allowed them to execute a balanced offensive attack that caught Chichi DHTSI off guard.
“Ito ‘yung hinihintay namin na panalo. Enjoy na lang ‘yung team, wala ng pressure para tuloy tuloy lang. ‘Yung mga unang [games] kasi gusto namin agad manalo, pressured ‘yung mga bata,” said Conde.
“Natural lang na naglaro lang sila, hinayaan ko lang sila na kung ano ‘yung tinraining namin, ‘yun ‘yung gawin nila sa game,” he added.
Renz Cruz led the Master Butchers’ charge with 10 points, including six attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Angelo Reyes and Kenrod Umali followed with nine and eight points, respectively, in the one-hour, 12-minute victory.
Wilbert Cebrero tallied 10 excellent sets and two points, while Ricardo Alfaro contributed 17 excellent receptions.
Martelli Meats will look to sustain its momentum when they face playoff-bound PGJC-Navy on November 27 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Titans suffered their eighth consecutive loss, dropping to 0-8 in the Invitational Conference, which is powered by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Jonathan Sorio once again led Chichi DHTSI with 14 points, including 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Christian Alicante added 11 points in the losing effort.
The Titans will have one final chance to secure a win when they face powerhouse Criss Cross, also on November 27.
