Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography punched its ticket to the semifinals after taking a four-set win over National University-Archipelago Builders, 25-20, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
Hero Austria played the hero for the AJAA Spikers, unloading a game-high 22 points on 20 attacks, a block, and an ace to go along with 17 excellent receptions and seven digs in the win that put them at 7-3 in the standings.
Kim Malabunga notched 12 points, Francis Saura and Ridz Muhali chipped in 11 apiece, while Ronniel Rosales had 10 markers for Imus.
“Of course I’m happy, it’s great na nanalo kami but hindi ako satisfied pa rin sa performance ng team ko kasi I know how they play,” said AJAA Spikers head coach Sammy Acaylar.
“So each and everyone of them meron naman silang skills, sometimes lang nag-la-lapse because kampante sila sa sarili nila. That’s it, masaya naman ako,” he added.
Mac Bandola spearheaded the Volley Builders with 21 points on 19 attacks, an ace, and a block as NU dropped to 1-7 in the standings.
Imus will await the results of AMC-Cotabato, Iloilo, and VNS’ remaining matches to determine its spot in the semis while NU looks to snap out of its losing streak against PGJC-Navy on Wednesday at 5:30 PM.