Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography recovered and re-asserted its might after a first set slip, sweeping Vanguard in the next three frames to annex a 23-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-20 victory yesterday and firm up its hold of third spot in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference at Paco Arena.
Ridz Muhali fired 18 points and finished with six digs, and middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Ronniel Rosales contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Rey Taneo produced 21 excellent sets to go with six points for the AJAA Spikers, who improved to 4-1, just behind Iloilo and Cignal’s identical 4-0 slates.
While it stayed in the hunt for a semis berth, Imus will miss the services of top spiker Louie Ramirez for the rest of the tournament as he will focus on Perpetual Help's campaign in the upcoming NCAA Season 98.
Head coach Sammy Acaylar, however, didn’t hide his frustration over his wards' performance late in the first set that allowed the Volley Hitters to rally and pound out a come-from-behind win after trailing. 19-22.
"We won and I was satisfied but then yung pinakita kasi namin sa mga tune-up games medyo maganda pero hindi katulad dito. Siguro it's a matter of being kampante ba," said Acaylar.
Down by three late in the first set, Vanguard relied on Vince Abrot, who responded and keyed the Volley Hitters’ stirring 6-1 windup.
But the AJAA Spikers controlled the next three frames and sustained their charge to the finish.
Vanguard did rally from seven points down to within three in the fourth, 16-19, but Imus countered with key hits, frustrating the Volley Hitters, who reeled to their fourth straight defeat after an opening game win to join the Santa Rosa City Lions and the Air Force side in the tailend of the 11-team field.
Vince Abrot paced the Volley Hitters again with 22 points while Razzel Palisoc added 10 markers.
