VNS-One Alicia pulled off a 25-21, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9 squeaker over Fudgee Barr-Ateneo to close out the opening day of the 2022 Spiker' Turf Open Conference, Tuesday at Paco Arena.
The revamped VNS side used a strong start in the decider to set the tone for the breakaway run anchored on the crisp-hitting pair of Ben San Andres and Mark Montemayor and ace setter Ish Polvorosa in a match marred by a long exchange of service miscues, including one by national player Malabunga that paved the way for Fudgee Barr-Ateneo’s fourth-set escape after the Eagles fought back from four down late in the set that sent the match to a decider.
“Actually expected naman na magde-deliver siya kasi setter siya from national team. Yun nga lang, ang struggle talaga ng team namin is time constraints. Yung other teams ilang months na nagte-training pero kami, kaka-start lang namin,” said VNS-One Alicia head coach Ralph Ocampo. “New team, may mga new players kami, nakaka-excite rin kasi ang ganda ng laban.”
Leading the charge for VNS-One Alicia was San Andres with a game-high 20 points to go along with 16 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
Montemayor added 14 points while Mendoza and Adviento chipped in 10 and nine markers, respectively. Former Air Force middle blocker and national team standout Kim Malabunga had eight.
Amil Pacinio spearheaded Ateneo with 20 points while Kennedy Batas and Matthew Salarzon added 17 and 15 points, respectively.
