Xentromall-Emilio Aguinaldo College brought some reinforcements for its 2023 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference campaign.
But no, they are not from other schools or club teams. Head coach Rod Palmero called back some former Generals to report back for duty to help the young EAC hasten their maturity.
Returning to the Generals' camp are Israel Encina, Juvie Mangaring, Earl Magadan, and Joshua Miña.
"Okay naman maganda naman kahit papaano medyo lumabas yung inensayo namin. Expected ko naman na magiging maganda kasi may mga alumni tayo na naglalaro," said Palmero after EAC's straight set win against Alpha Omega last Friday.
It was during the third set where the Elite Spikers threatened to extend the game but the veteran wits of Encina, Mangaring, Magadan, and Miña came to play for the Generals to finish the game unscathed.
With the seniors back for the men's premier league, Palmero expects his team to be tougher and readier come the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball tournament.
EAC finished fourth in Season 98 with a 6-3 record, falling to San Beda on the first phase of the stepladder semifinals.
"Ang kinuha ko yung mga alam kong kayang kapitan ng team," said Palmero.
"Yan ang nawala sa team eh, yung leadership ng mga senior kasi bigla silang nawala so nangapa. Medyo nahirapan kaya ngayon medyo maganda kasi nandiyan sila para gumabay."
Encina had nine points while Mangaring added seven points. Magadan was spectacular with nine excellent receptions on 14 attempts only.
Ruther Abor and Marvin Romero, both who are expected to lead EAC in NCAA, led the team with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
