Army edges IEM in men’s volleyball
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Tomorrow (The Arena, San Juan City)
1 p.m. – Sta. Elena vs Café Lupe (men’s)
4 p.m. – BaliPure vs Power Smashers (women’s)
6:30 p.m. – Perlas vs Air Force
The Water Defenders leaned on former three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Grethcel Soltones, who sizzled with 16 points highlighted by 14 kills, for the team’s first win in the revitalized league.
National University standout Risa Sato and Jerrili Malabanan also stepped up for BaliPure with 12 points apiece, even as setter Jasmine Nabor silently contributed with 26 excellent sets on top of five points.
The Water Defenders struggled with 33 errors but made it up with 45 attacks and nine service aces to topple the determined Lady Jet Spikers.
Jocemer Tapic topscored for Air Force with 14 points, while Joy Cases added 12 points, but they were not enough to regain the Lady Jet Spikers’ fiery start.
In men’s play, Army survived Instituto Estetico Manila, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 16-14, to also jumpstart its title campaign on a bright note.
Skipper Benjaylo Labide took the spotlight for the Troopers with 19 points, even as Jayvee Sumagaysay and Anthony Arbasto also led the charge with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Far Eastern University standout Greg Dolor fired 17 points in a losing effort for IEM, as well as Joeward Presnede, who chipped in 14 points.