Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography blew a 2-0 set lead as it lost its poise and rhythm but recovered in the clutch to repel PGJC-Navy, 25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, and regain its winning ways in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.
The AJAA Spikers looked headed for a meltdown as the Sealions sustained their run in the third and fourth sets and seized control, 5-1, in the decider. But the former regrouped and countered with a stirring 8-1 run capped by Kim Malabunga’s back-to-back hits to take command.
Navy, however, refused to fold up and forced a tie at 11 before Ridz Muhali and John Rivera stepped up and delivered two points and Imus moved at match point in a decisive blitz aided by a Greg Dolor attack error.
Christian Marcelino kept the Sealions in the hunt in the ensuing play but Imus coach Sammy Acaylar came through with a clutch move, subbing in Hero Austria for Rivera and the Perpetual spiker responded by hammering in the clincher off a combination play.
"In the fifth set, I told them that they have to use their mental toughness and just play smart," said Acaylar, whose wards thus bounced back from a shutout loss to the Cignal HD Spikers following a pair of romps over Santa Rosa and Air Force for a 3-1 slate.
Imus cruised to easy wins in the first and second sets but Dolor and Jude Garcia steered the Sealions to big wins in the next two frames to force the decider.
Malabunga led the AJAA Spikers of Cavite with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Austria added 14 points and 21 excellent receptions.
"I always tell my players na dapat sigurista sila sa game and walang kampante pero you know style ng Pinoy, kapag nanalo ka na, kampante ka na so I motivated them,” said Acaylar.
Muhali took over the spot of top hitter Louie Ramirez, who failed to suit up after arriving late due to some school concerns. The former finished with 13 points while Josh Villanueva added 11 points.
Garcia, who suffered a left ankle injury due to a bad landing in the final play of the match, top-scored for the Sealions, who slipped to 1-2, with 21 points on 18 attacks, while Dolor had 20 points.
