Coming from a heart-wrenching defeat against Air Force in the semis, Sta. Elena-NU vented its ire on Perpetual, 25-13, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, to take Game One of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference best-of-three Bronze series, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
“Gigil sila makabawi kasi ‘yung last na talo namin, medyo na-down sila. Pero ano eh, may advantage naman talaga ‘yung Air Force doon. Sabi namin, bumawi sila dito. Gigil na gigil eh, kitang-kita na gusto manalo,” said Sta. Elena head coach Dong Dela Cruz.
Down by three points in the fourth set, Nico Almendras, Edward Camposano, and Idin Daymil joined hands in a 6-1 biltz to give Sta. Elena the lead at 16-14.
Though managing to tie the scores at 20-all, a net touch from John Rick Baggayan proved costly for Perpetual as it completely tipped the scales to the Ball Hammers’ side.
Camposano then hammered down the nails in the coffin, along with Daymil and Banjo Mondero, for the Ball Hammers.
Almendras and Edward exploded for 20 points each, while Edward also tallied 16 excellent receptions and six digs.
Sta. Elena team captain James Natividad chipped in 12 markers in the victory. Krisvan Ponti added seven points.
Joshua Retamar churned the offensive strike with 27 excellent receptions to go along with three markers while Ricky Marcos manned the floor with 17 digs and 14 receptions.
On the other hand, Aljoe Serrano led Perpetual with 17 points. Joebert Almodiel finished the match with 13 markers along with 20 receptions and six digs.
EJ Casana tossed 19 excellent sets for the Altas in a losing cause.
Game Three will be on Tuesday, October 22, at 3:00 PM.
