Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography lost its poise in the third and fourth sets but regained its focus in the fifth to turn back PGJC-Navy in a thriller, 25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday afternoon.
The Sealions looked to be on their way to a comeback victory after building an early 5-1 lead in the deciding frame over the frustrated AJAA Spikers but the latter rallied and even took a 9-6 advantage off back-to-back Kim Malabunga points.
Navy, though, answered to level at 11-all but Ridz Muhali and John Rivera with help from Greg Dolor’s attack error, put Imus at match point, 14-11, before Christian Marcelino pulled one back for the Sealions.
Then AJAA Spikers head coach Sammy Acaylar subbed in Hero Austria for Rivera as the Perpetual spiker hammered a combination play for the win.
“Noong fifth set nagbigay ako sa kanila ng words wherein they have to use their mental toughness and I told them they’re all smart so that is the time na gamitin nila sa fifth set,” said Acaylar after his team improved to 3-1 to keep its place in the Top Four.
Imus cruised to easy wins in the first and second periods but Greg Dolor and Jude Garcia came alive to force a decider.
Malabunga led the AJAA Spikers of Cavite with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, while Hero Austria added 14 points and 21 excellent receptions.
“I always tell my players na dapat sigurista sila sa game and walanhg kampante pero you know style ng pinoy, kapag nanalo ka na, kampante ka na so what I did is I gave some motivation to them,” shared Acaylar.
Muhali stepped up in lieu of Louie Ramirez, who did not play after dealing with school matters that forced him to arrive late, with 13 points while Josh Villanueva chimed in 11 points to his name.
Garcia, who sprained his left ankle on a bad landing in the final point of the match, top-scored for the 1-2 Sealions with 21 points on 18 attacks, while Dolor had 20 points.
Imus-ITP will next meet struggling Vanguard next Friday at 3 pm. Earlier that week, Navy will face Cignal on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
