Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography made it three consecutive wins after taking care of Philippine Army in four sets, 25-18, 25-14, 23-25, 25-18 in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena, Wednesday.
Hero Austria led the way for the AJAA Spikers with 14 points on 12 attacks to go along with 20 excellent receptions while Kim Malabunga added 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Ish Polvorosa tossed 18 excellent sets while Rikko Marmeto gathered 13 excellent receptions and five excellent digs as Imus-ITP improved their win-loss standing to 5-1.
The AJAA Spikers had the chance to close the Troopers in the third set but Antonio Torres scored a crucial block on Ridzuan Muhali which gave them a 24-22 edge. Ronniel Rosales answered with a quick hit but Army closed it up with another rejection to send the game to a fourth frame.
“Well, hindi mawawala talaga sa players na kahit anong sabihin ko sa kanila na they have to put in their mind na sigurista ba. Sometimes lumalabas yung pagiging kampante talaga ng isang player in which yun ang hindi ko pinapayagan talaga,” said Imus-ITP head coach Sammy Acaylar.
“At least, kahit nung fourth set nakabangon kami but yeah of course kailangang i-address. We have to train not only physically, not only emotionally but also mental preparation ng mga bata,” he added.
Mark Enciso and Benjaylo Labide paced the Troopers with 14 and 13 points, respectively, as they dropped to 2-4 in the standings.
Imus-ITP will face VNS on Sunday at 5:30 PM while Army will take on the league-leading Cignal on Friday also at 5:30 PM.
