Maverick secured its first win of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, dealing Philippine Air Force its fourth straight defeat, 25-19, 25-20, 25-9, on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Hard Hitters now share the fifth to seventh positions with Savouge Aesthetics and VNS-Nasty, all boasting 1-3 records.
“Siguro we were just well prepared. We really worked hard and prepared for each other, and I just told them to desire it because they can do it,” said Maverick head coach Erickson Ramos.
The pair of Razzel Palisoc and Jerome Cordez proved unstoppable at the beginning of the third set, propelling the Hard Hitters to a 13-4 lead, ultimately securing the win in one hour and 26 minutes.
Palisoc contributed 19 points, including 14 spikes, three blocks, and two service aces for Maverick.
Cordez added nine points, Kim Tan contributed eight points along with nine excellent receptions in two sets, and Jethro Cabillan scored seven points for the Hard Hitters.
Maverick will continue its campaign next Friday against VNS-Nasty, still at the Pasig arena.
No player reached double figures for Air Force, with Louis Lumanlan leading with eight points and JR Labrador with seven.
The Airmen dropped to 1-4, sitting at the eighth position, just above winless Richmarc Sports 3B.
Air Force will aim to end its losing streak on Sunday against Savouge, kicking off the Philsports Arena triple-header at 2 p.m.
