AMC-Cotabato returned to its winning ways to boost its bid for a 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals spot, edging out Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography, 25-19, 28-26, 25-23, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday evening.
After a runaway first set, the Cotabato Spikers encountered tight second and third frames but still came away victorious with their poise and composure showing out.
Knotted at 26-all in the second frame, John Rivera of Imus helped AMC with back-to-back attacking errors.
Then the Cotabato Spikers climbed from a 23-21 hole in the third, thanks to Jau Umandal’s through-the-block hit and Vince Mangulabnan’s ace to first tie the game before the AJAA Spikers shot themselves on the foot anew.
Bonjomar Castel and Hero Austria committed two consecutive errors to give AMC its first win in two games in the semis.
“Mindset lang namin hindi kami pwedeng matalo kumbaga do or die eh. Ginawa lang namin yung best namin,” said Cotabato Spiker Jau Umandal who had a game-high 20 points to go with nine excellent receptions.
Madz Gampong also produced 10 points for the winning side while Jayvee Sumagaysay added eight points. Wewe Medina and Rex Intal also netted six points each.
AMC will shoot for a Finals spot on Monday against undefeated Cignal at 5:30 pm at the same venue.
Imus, which was led by Kim Malabunga’s 10 points and Austria’s 10 points and 20 receptions, still has a chance but needs to win against Iloilo on Monday in straight sets and hopes AMC loses against Cignal to force a triple-tie for second.
