In a showdown of pride, Maverick triumphed over RichMarc Sports 3B, 25-21, 25-13, 25-27, 25-20, to end its campaign in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on a high note at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Sunday.
The Hard Hitters recovered from a tough third set defeat with a strong finishing kick in the fourth, sealing the victory that snapped their three-game skid and landed them a 2-6 record, tying them for joint sixth with the VNS-Nasty Griffins and Philippine Air Force side.
Following the tiebreak, Maverick wound up seventh.
“Syempre masaya kasi nakuha nga namin yung goal namin na we'll end the season with a bang so ayun panalo naman,” said Maverick head coach Erickson Ramos.
Kim Tan saved his best for the last, unloading a game-high 18 points, 17 of which came from attacks, to lead five players in double digits for the Hard Hitters in the two-hour contest.
Jerome Cordez tallied 14 points while team captain Razzel Palisoc contributed 12 markers and seven excellent digs. John Rabino and Jethro Cabillan also added with 11 points apiece, rounding out the double-digit scorers for the Hard Hitters, who also denied the Elite Spikers a win.
Wilbert Cerebro flaunted his excellent setting skills with 14 excellent sets and added two points while Stephen Sundiang shone in defense with 16 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
“Siguro nagkaroon lang ng lapses nung third set, nag-relax nga pero sinabi ko lang sa kanila na kunin na natin yung fourth set, ‘wag na natin pahabain pa kasi kayang kaya naman natin,” said Ramos.
RichMarc Sports ended up its campaign with a disappointing 0-8 record.
Kernel Ipulan paced RichMarc with 14 points while Gideon Guadalupe and Bonjomar Castel each had 13 points, and Kim Melanez added 11 markers.
