Cabuyao successfully wielded the upset axe on La Salle-EcoOil, 25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22, to seal top spot in Pool B heading into the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference quarterfinals, Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Cabstars improved to 4-1, tying the Green Oilers but seized the first seed due to superior points system, 13-10.
La Salle, however, also booked its spot in the knockout round as VNS, which is at 3-1 (7 pts) with a game remaining, cannot chase the former in set ratio even if it sweeps Philippine Air Force on Dec. 1.
“Siguro nagkasabay-sabay yung magandang laro ng mga bata kaya hindi kami nahirapan na lumaban sa La Salle although alam naman natin na champion team sila pero ito na yung Cabstars na tinutukoy namin,” said Cabuyao head coach Kitty Antiporta.
Midway through the fourth frame, JM Ronquillo tried to put the Green Oilers on his back with five straight points to pull his team within a point, 21-22, but Michael Doria and Jomar Soriano went back-to-back before an attack error by Yoyong Mendoza finished the match in one hour and 46 minutes.
Joshua Ramilo led the Cabstars’ stunner with 23 points and 25 excellent receptions, while Soriano contributed 14 points and eight digs.
Middle blockers Doria and Gab Magsino also produced 13 points apiece as Jerico Adajar tossed 27 excellent sets.
Ronquillo paced the Green Oilers with 21 points on 17 attacks and four blocks, while Noel Kampton and Mendoza added 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Cabuyao and La Salle will face Pool C’s second seed and first seed, respectively, in the crossover quarters.
