Playing in hostile territory, the Prima-Far Eastern University Tamaraws mustered a late rally to thwart the Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles, 25-29, 19-25, 29-27, 20-25, 16-14, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Blue Eagle Gym.
With the match settling into a tight fifth set, Ateneo seemingly had the win a sight thanks to a Paulo Trinidad service ace that pushed them to a 14-12 lead. From there FEU caught breaks and capitalized on Ateneo’s miscues. The Tamaraws claimed the win via a 4-0 blitz capped by Tony Koyfman net touch.
Redijohn Paler led FEU with 17 markers, while Mark Calado and JP Bugaoan each managed 16. American Tony Koyfman topped the Blue Eagles with 31 points.
The win over their UAAP rivals gives Prima-FEU a 2-1 record, while Ateneo drop to a 3-2 standing.
In the today’s first match, the Cignal HD Spikers took advantage of a wasteful Sta. Elena-National University Ball Hammers side to come away with their third win in as four matches, 22-25, 25-11, 25-19, 25-22.
Sta. Elena gave up a whopping 38 errors to Cignal’s 20, giving their opponents a boost to come back from a first set loss.
Ateneo standout Ysay Marasigan and former NU Bulldog Fauzi Ismail each managed 16 markers for Cignal.
Graduating winger Bryan Bagunas topped the Bulldogs with 19 markers, while rookie Nico Almendras added 13.
Sta. Elena evened their record at 2-2.
In yesterday’s matches, Ranran Abdilla fired 21 points to lead the Philippine Air Force to their second win at the expense of the winless IEM Phoenix Volley Masters, 22-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-13.
The PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters displayed their balance in their four-set triumph over Philippine Army, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22.
Rudy Gatdula tallied 15 points, while Greg Dolor managed 14 to propel Philippine Navy past the Fury Blazing Hitters, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22.
2018 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Standings:
PLDT 4-0
Navy 3-0
Ateneo 3-2
Cignal 2-1
Sta. Elena 2-2
Prima-FEU 2-1
Air Force 2-1
Fury 0-4
IEM 0-4
Army 0-4
