Army sinks Navy
ARMY marked the Spikers’ Turf’s opening day salvo with a stirring come-from-behind victory, battling back from 1-2 set down and upending military rival PGJC-Navy, 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-12, to join Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography in the early lead Sunday night at the Paco Arena.
The Open Conference’s cellar dwellers last season, the Troopers are determined to make it up this year.
“Malaking bagay ito kasi high morale kami. Nandoon na kaagad, may panalo na kaagad. Maganda yung pasok sa amin ng win kasi opening game tapos panalo kaagad ibig sabihin tataas pa yung morale namin,” said Army coach Melvin Carolino.
Nico Ramirez baffled the Sea Lions’ defense with his brilliant playmaking in the last two sets, setting up PJ Rojas, Benjaylo Labide and Kevin Liberato for key hits that anchored the Troopers’ late surge.
“Gumanda lang yung laro ng team. Lumabas lang yung mga hinanda namin na may back row, may block, may receive, lumabas lang yun. Na-apply lang nila yun lahat,” said Carolino.
Rojas led Army with 19 points and four digs, Labide had 17 points while Liberato scored 16 points, including four blocks.
Antonio Torres matched Liberato’s four blocks while libero Jason Uy collected 10 digs.
Christian Marcelino had 17 points and eight receptions while Greg Dolor and Marvin Villanueva each had 15 points for the Sea Lions.
Owen Suarez, who moved to PGJC-Navy from Cignal during the off-season, tossed in 26 excellent sets.
