Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography scored its second consecutive win after dominating Philippine Air Force in three sets, 25-16, 25-16, 25-13, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Louie Ramirez once again starred for the AJAA Spikers with 16 points on 13 attacks and three aces while Hero Austria added 13 points along with eight excellent receptions and six excellent digs to give their side the early lead in the standings with a 2-0 card.
Kim Malabunga added seven points with three blocks while Ronniel Rosales and Josh Villanueva added six and four markers, respectively, in the victory.
“I did not expect na ganun ang lalaruin namin at ganun ang ilalaro ng kalaban. Maybe they lacked practice tulad samin it so happened lang na yung mga players ko kasi ngayon ang karamihan diyan naglalaro sa mga one day leagues from other provinces kaya nasa kundisyon sila,” said Imus head coach Sammy Acaylar.
After bagging the first two sets with ease, the AJAA Spikers stepped on the gas pedal in the third set and led by as much as 12 points, 23-11 after a Ramirez conversion.
Ranran Abdilla tried to keep his side afloat but consecutive errors called on the Airmen handed the win to Imus’ side.
“Ang taas ng tingin ko sa kanila (Air Force), hindi ko akalain na… maybe they lacked practice same with us medyo nakalamang lang kami kasi nakapag-ensayo na kami ng three days, nagkaroon na kami ng magandang chemistry. Yung conditioning ng mga bata medyo okay na so at least nakita ko na yung galaw ng mga players ko,” said Acaylar.
Abdilla was the lone bright spot for Air Force, who dropped to 0-2, with 12 points on 12 attacks while veteran setter Jessie Lopez dished 14 excellent sets.
Imus will face off against powerhouse Cignal on Friday at 5:30 PM. Meanwhile, Air Force looks to bounce back against NU-Archipelago Builders on Sunday also at 5:30 PM.
