Santa Rosa City barged into the win column after taking down the also-ran Philippine Coast Guard in four sets, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 25-15, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena, Wednesday night.
After losing a tight one in the second set, the Lions bounced back in the third frame before dominating the fourth frame to post a 1-3 win-loss standing in Pool C tied with St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde at the fourth spot.
“Yung pinakita nila sign of kailangan na talaga naming manalo this tournament. It’s a non-bearing game pero at the end of the day, we’re volleyball players,” said Santa Rosa head coach Edu Lirio.
“Yun yung gusto naming i-ano dito. Gusto naming manalo talaga and yun yung pinakita ng mga players,” he added, as the team opened the tournament with losses against Adamson-Davies Paints, Cignal, and Saints and Lattes-Letran.
The Lions turned the game into a lopsided affair midway into the fourth set after Alihfaisal Gampong blocked Lerry Francisco which gave Santa Rosa a 20-10 advantage over the Lifesavers.
Coast Guard never recovered from there, absorbing their fourth consecutive loss in as many games in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Ronniel Rosales led the way for the Lions with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks while Hero Austria tallied 15 points on 13 attacks and two aces to go along with 12 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Levi De Vera and Gampong added 12 points each while Gene Margate had 10 markers in the victory.
On the other hand, Aidam Adam led the Lifesavers with 16 points to go along with four excellent digs while Francisco had 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
