Santa Rosa roared to its first victory, defeating Vanguard in a nail-biting five-set match, 21-25, 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11, to conclude the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference triple-header on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After losing their initial four matches, the Lions’ record improved to 1-4, leaving defending champion National U-Archipelago as the only team without a win.
Kevin Montemayor led the charge for Santa Rosa, scoring 16 points on 14 attacks, while Yoyong Mendoza and Gabriel Magsino each contributed 15 points.
Middle blocker Anrie Bakil also added 12 points to the victors’ tally.
“Sinabihan namin sila na these are moments where nase-separate ang boys sa men. They decided na lumaban kasi kaming coaches we just give instructions pero yung mga players, sa kanila lahat ang credit kasi kumapit sila,” said Lions head coach Edu Lirio.
Errors proved to be the downfall of the Volley Hitters, as they gave up seven free points to Santa Rosa in the decisive fifth set, while Bakil, Magsino, and Montemayor made their hits count.
Joven Camaganakan and Razzel Palisoc scored 16 points each for Vanguard, with Camaganakan adding 14 excellent receptions.
Vince Abrot also earned 15 points, while John Diwa recorded 11, as the Volley Hitters suffered their third consecutive defeat and slid to 1-3 for joint eighth place.
Both teams will return on Friday with Vanguard meeting Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography at 3 pm, while Santa Rosa battles Philippine Army at 5:30 pm.
