Saints and Lattes-Letran delivered a stunning performance against Sta. Rosa City, securing a straight-sets victory with scores of 25-21, 25-18, and 25-16 to kick off their Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign on a high note. The game took place on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Saints Spikers relied on the trio of Vince Himzon, John Bautista, and Steven Sta. Maria to claim their first win in Pool C, facing a Lions team led by veterans Ish Polvorosa, Ronniel Rosales, and Rikko Marmeto.
“Actually, based doon sa performance nila, nakita ko yung excitement nila first set pa lang eh. Gusto nilang manalo. So, although maraming errors, na-handle namin yung game sa pacing namin at hindi sa pacing ng kalaban. Nag-contribute yung middles saka outside spikers namin,” said Letran head coach Brian Esquibel.
After clinching the first two sets, the Saints Spikers elevated their game in the third set, embarking on a 6-0 run to establish a commanding 17-10 lead over Sta. Rosa City. Despite a few service errors, Letran succeeded in maintaining their advantage and secured a 25-16 victory to complete the sweep.
Himzon led the game with 15 points, comprising 12 attacks and three aces, in an hour and 23 minutes of action for Letran. Bautista added 14 points, including 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while also contributing six excellent receptions and two digs. Sta. Maria notched 11 points in the victory.
John Arano delivered 13 excellent sets, and Raxel Catris recorded six excellent receptions and three excellent digs.
“This is the first time na napasama ulit kami sa Spikers’ Turf. We are very lucky na maka-join with the support of Saints and Lattes. Syempre, thank you rin sa school kasi pinayagan kaming makasama ngayon,” added Esquibel.
The Saints Spikers’ next challenge is against the powerhouse team Cignal on Sunday at 5:00 p.m., also at the Paco Arena.
On the other hand, Levi De Vera led Sta. Rosa with seven points, involving four attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Alihfaisal Gampong and Exequiel Quezada each contributed five points in the loss.
Ish Polvorosa had eight excellent digs, and Marmeto managed 13 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
The Lions will face the HD Spikers on October 29 at 5:00 p.m., also at the Paco Arena.
