The Philippine Army closed in on a spot in the quarterfinals after outlasting Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmarinas in five sets, 25-21, 26-28, 19-25, 25-14, 15-11, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena on Wednesday.
Coming off a successful title run in the AFP Olympics, the Troopers, whose last playoff appearance was back in 2017, sustained their form, overcoming a one-to-two-set disadvantage against the Patriots.
The victory propelled Army to the second spot in the Pool A standings with a 3-1 record.
“Nagkaroon lang kami ng miscommunication nung second and third sets kasi nawalan kami ng receive. So, nawalan din kami ng block. Block at receive,” said Troopers head coach Melvin Carolino.
“Nung bandang huli, nung fifth set, syempre doon na lalabas eh. Kumbaga, anybody’s game na 'yun pagdating ng fifth set, makikita mo talaga kung sino yung matibay, kung sinong buo,” he added.
After a dominant victory in the fourth set, Army figured in a tight encounter with the Patriots early in the final frame before Benjaylo Labide and Kevin Liberato scored on consecutive plays, allowing them to take a five-point, 14-9 lead.
Christian Battung and Valeriano Sasis tried to pump life into DLSU Dasmarinas’ playoff hopes by saving two points, but the veteran Labide outwitted them once more with an off-the-block hit that ended the game after two hours and nine minutes of play.
“Sabi ko nga, kailangan talaga lagi kaming nagdodoble ng effort sa practice. Ngayon, kumbaga, titriplehin pa namin kasi ito na yung chance namin. Kung mananalo kami (sa NU), makakapasok kami (ng quarterfinals),” said Carolino.
Labide top-scored for the surging Troopers with 21 points, while Wewe Medina’s all-around brilliance continued with 18 points on 14 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, along with 15 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
Liberato added 12 points, including four kill blocks, while Mark Enciso had 11 points.
Nico Ramirez tossed 21 excellent sets in the victory, while Kenneth Bayking collected 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Popoy Alabin paced the Patriots with 14 points on nine attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while Sasis added 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace for 13 points.
DLSU Dasmarinas, who fell to 0-4, bowed out of playoff contention.
