Savouge RTU-Basilan held off Bayleaf Hotels-LPU in 4, 25-16, 25-23, 24-26, 27-25, securing a winning debut in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday evening.
The Golden Thunders, who drew energy from their massive crowd, were unable to close out the game in straight sets.
Still, they managed to turn it around in the extended fourth frame and secure their first win in Pool D.
“Siguro medyo nakulangan pa kami pero at least nagbago yung laro nila. Kumbaga, kung ano yung laro nila, mas lalo nilang nalalabas yun,” said Basilan head coach Sabtal Abdul.
Leading by two points late in the fourth set, the Golden Thunders were unable to maintain their advantage. The Pirates, led by Jun Edang, went on a 5-0 run to take a 23-21 lead.
LPU was the first to reach set point after a net violation by Jeyar Ariaga, but Edang appeared lost in the ensuing play. He overpowered an attack before getting blocked by Ariaga, tying the game at 24-all.
Edang responded with a down-the-line hit but committed a service error right after. Mark Lanorio followed it up with another error, before Lorenz Senoron delivered a powerful cross to end the game for Basilan.
“Gusto kong makita na gumanda pa yung floor defense nila, yung blocking nila, at yung service nila dapat ay kargado. Pero maganda naman yung pinakita nila, sana tuloy-tuloy na,” said Abdul.
Jaison Angeles finished with 13 points on seven attacks, five blocks, and an ace for the Golden Thunders. Meanwhile, Senoron had 13 points as well, along with five excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
Kenneth Hernandez contributed 16 excellent sets, while Jack Enon made 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Edang’s 27-point explosion went to waste as the Pirates suffered a loss to open their Spikers’ Turf campaign.
No other player reached double figures for Lyceum, with Isaiah Santos chipping in nine markers.
