Youthful Cabuyao fended off veteran Philippine Air Force, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, to remain unbeaten in Pool B of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila, Friday evening.
The Cabstars leaned on Joshua Ramilo, who unloaded 15 points built on 14 attacks while also being dependable on the defensive end, getting 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
It was Dominic Panganiban who spearheaded Cabuyao’s breakaway in the fourth frame, scoring two in their five unanswered points to turn a slim 16-14 lead into a commanding 21-14 advantage before denying the Airmen’s late attempt for a comeback.
“Malaki yung respeto namin doon sa Air Force, grabe champion team yan, galing sa champion culture talaga so siguro kung paano lang kami magprepare doon lang kami lumamang. Yung pusong gustong manalo, siguro yun yung key namin kung bakit kami nanalo ngayon,” said Cabstars head coach Christian Antiporta.
Cabuyao improved to 2-0 to match EcoOil-La Salle’s record atop their bracket while the Airmen slipped to 1-2, good for fifth just above winless PCU Dasmariñas-SASKIN.
Panganiban and middle blocker Gab Magsino chimed in 12 points apiece, while Michael Doria had 11 points as well. Jomar Soriano also chipped in the win with eight points and 13 excellent receptions.
JR Labrador led Air Force with 21 points to go with eight digs while also getting 18 points from Ranran Abdilla and 11 from Edwin Tolentino.
Cabuyao will return on Wednesday to battle VNS while Air Force will have more than a week before facing La Salle on November 19.
