by Kristel Satumbaga
Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. – Air Force vs PLDT (m)
12 noon – IEM vs Army (m)
4 p.m. – Iriga-Navy vs Baliure (w)
6:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Tacloban (w)
Vice Co. made its presence felt in the opener of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference men’s division yesterday with a 25-13, 25-16, 27-29, 25-21 win over Army at The Arena in San Juan.
The Blockbusters, a new team formed by noontime host Vice Ganda, fell short in completing a straight-set victory but managed to keep their focus to bring down the Troopers for a positive start to their maiden appearance in the league.
Former Far Eastern University standout Peter Quiel fired 14 points built on 11 attacks and three blocks to lead Vice Co. to victory. Veteran captain Berlin Paglinawan and Adamson recruit Paolo Pablico added 13 points each for the Blockbusters.
Pablico also teamed up with libero Jack Kalingking for 20 of Vice Co.’s 44 digs.
John Paul Bugaoan, another FEU standout, chipped in 12 points even as Owen Suarez provided the Blockbusters 20 excellent sets.
Benjaylo Labide exploded for 20 points but the Troopers’ erratic plays marred by 34 errors proved costly in the match.
Patrick John Rojas added 15 points while Nico Ramirez had 27 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, the league’s centerpiece women’s division kicked off hostilities yesterday with new teams PayMaya and Tacloban meeting in the curtain raiser and the Alyssa Valdez-powered Creamline squad taking on newcomer PetroGazz.