Perpetual-Kinto Tyres and PGJC-Navy completed the quarterfinals cast in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The Altas clinched the second quarterfinals spot in Pool A after escaping the Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmarinas Patriots in five sets, 25-10, 19-25, 25-16, 19-25, 15-6 while the Sealions swept the Alpha Omega Elite Spikers, 25-14, 25-17, 25-13, on Wednesday night at the Paco Arena.
The Altas forced a tie at the second spot with the Troopers via identical 4-1 records, but their superior tiebreak points over the latter willed them to the quarterfinals, joining top seed National University-Sta.Elena.
“Yun ang sinasabi nating ano eh, sometimes kasi kahit ineexpect mo na mananalo ka, mase-straight sets mo, sometimes kasi makikita mo sa galaw ng mga bata na sobra silang overconfident,” rued Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar.
On the other hand, The Sealions, who moved to 4-1 in the standings, joined group leader FEU-Chef (4-0) on a Diet in the playoffs while also eliminating Savouge-RTU Basilan (3-1) from contention via points and set ratio differentials.
“Okay naman yung nagawa nila ngayon, nag-enjoy naman sila. Maingay na. Yun kasi ang kulang namin talaga so at least ginawa nila,” said Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada.
Also advancing to the semis are Cabuyao, DLSU-Ecooil, Cignal, and Adamson-Davies Paint.
Perpetual, who entered the match as the heavy favorites, delivered a dominant showing in the opener before crumbling down in the following sets which allowed the Patriots to force a decider.
After letting the fourth set slip from their hands, Perpetual fired on all cylinders in the fifth frame to assure itself an outright spot in the semifinals, rushing to a 13-4 start to try and put away DLSU Dasmarinas for good.
With Popoy Alabin misfiring in the decider and committing a total of four attack errors, Paul Malaiba tried to swing the tides to their favor with back-to-back hits but it was not enough as Jefferson Marapoc and Kylie Gelogo delivered the lethal blows to end the game after almost two hours.
“Yun ang gusto ko baguhin sa team ko eh. Number one yung overconfidence, pangalawa yung mental toughness nila na kapag nahahabol na kami, andun pa rin yung courage nila saka intensity. Minsan yun ang nawawala eh,” said a disappointed Acaylar.
Marapoc top-scored for the Altas with 14 points on nine attacks, four blocks, and one ace while Louie Ramirez added 13 markers and nine excellent receptions in the victory. Micheal Medalla had 10 points.
Meanwhile, The Sealions dominated from the get-go and never released their feet from the gas pedal, taking significant advantages in attacks (35-18), blocks (8-3), and aces (5-0) to give the Elite Spikers a harsh exit.
Greg Dolor led the charge for Navy, who saw a total of 12 players register a point in the 59-minute contest, with 11 points on nine attacks and two kill blocks.
Edward Camposano added eight points on five attacks, two service aces, and one block while Omar Lioc and Marvin Villanueva added five and four markers, respectively, in the win.
“Ensayo pa rin kami kung ano yung weakness namin para preparation sa quarterfinals. Yung blockings improve pa tapos yung enjoyment at communication sa loob ng court yun lang ang hinihingi namin sa kanila para sa quarterfinals,” said Cruzada.
Malaiba paced the winless Patriots with 20 points on 20 attacks along with 25 excellent receptions and six excellent digs while Alabin had 16 markers on 14 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Razzel Palisoc scored six points while John Diwa had four points as Alpha Omega finished the tournament with a disappointing 1-4 slate.
In the opening game, St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde finished its Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign with a four-set, 25-17, 25-27, 25-20, 25-21 win over Sta. Rosa City.
