Air Force proved too much for Lyceum as it fashioned out a 25-11, 25-15, 25-18 romp in a big start to its title-retention drive even as Adamson rallied to stun Emilio Aguinaldo College in the decider at the start of the Spikers’ Turf Season 4 Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila last Tuesday.
The Jet Spikers unloaded 30 attack points, twice more than their rivals, came through with 11 blocks as against the Pirates’ six and scored 30 points off the latter’s miscues to complete the 59-minute victory in Pool B action of the four-group tournament that drew 24 teams.
Madz Gampong fired 10 points while Alnakrin Abdilla turned in a superb all-around game of nine markers, seven digs and four receptions for the Jet Spikers, who also got contribution from almost all who saw action, including Fauzi Ismail (seven points) and Nino Jeruz and Kim Malabunga, who scored five markers each.
Juvic Colonia scored nine points while Kier Tibayan had six markers for the Pirates.
Earlier, the Falcons overcame a 1-2 set deficit and hacked out a 20-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12 decision in Pool A.
Adamson lost in a duel of spikes, 52-59, but relied on their superb net defense, coming with an impressive 16-block effort while yielding just six to carve out thee come-from-behind victory in the league organized by Sports Vision.
Meanwhile, action resumes Thursday with Adamson going for No. 2 against NCBA at 3 p.m. after the 1 p.m. clash between Sta. Lucia and Mapua. CEU and Eco Oil tangle at 5 p.m.
Perpetual Help, on the other hand, shook off a shaky start and dominated Coast Guard in the next three for a 22-25, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 victory in Pool C.
