Cabstars-Cabuyao made an impressive debut in the Spikers’ Turf, fending off MKA-San Beda in a closely contested four-set match, 26-24, 25-27, 25-22, 26-24, during the Invitational Conference held on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Cabstars had the last laugh as they thwarted the Red Spikers’ attempt to force a fifth set with a significant 7-0 run in the fourth frame, turning their 13-18 deficit into a 20-18 lead.
San Beda attempted to regain composure and managed to send the set into a deuce after a cross-court hit by Kevin Montemayor. However, a service error from Justine Santos, followed by a kill from Jomar Soriano, sealed their fate.
Cabuyao head coach Christian Antiporta stated, “Nag-intact sila as one team kaya kami nanalo. Siguro pinakita ng team yung character, kung anong meron ba kami individually, as a team, yun yung naging way namin kung bakit kami nanalo.”
Jerico Adajar, the team captain of Cabstars, stood out in the match. He contributed 18 excellent sets and seven points, which included three blocks, two aces, and two successful attacks.
Adajar also led the team in producing five double-digit scorers.
Dominic Panganiban and Soriano led Cabuyao in scoring with 13 points each, while Joshua Ramilo, Gabriel Magsino, and Michael Doria tallied 11 points each.
This victory placed the Cabstars at 1-0 in Pool B.
Cabuyao is set to face Ranran Abdilla and Air Force on November 10 at 5:00 PM at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Montemayor led the Red Spikers with 23 points, which included 20 attacks and three blocks. Axel Book contributed 11 points, while Anrei Bakil and Raph Cabalsa had eight points each as San Beda’s record fell to 0-1.
Cabuyao will also take on Air Force on November 5 at 11:00 AM.
