CHRISTIAN Arbasto of Systema hammers one in off Clifford Miranda of FEU in yesterday’s match at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
This time, Systema proved up to the task in the fifth set.
Dragged into another marathon duel, the Active Smashers completed a remarkable comeback as they hacked out a thrilling 14-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-9, 15-9 victory over Far Eastern U last night in men’s play of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Two days after yielding to IEM in five sets, the Systema got its act together when the game was on the line, completing a comeback from a set down starting the fourth set.
The win evened Systema’s card to 1-1, while spoiling the debut of FEU, which entered the tournament with solid credentials, having won the UAAP competition in 2012.
The women’s match pitting opening-day winner Army and Cagayan Valley was still being played at press time.
After watching his 23-point output go down the drain, Christopher Antonio hammered 18 hits this time, the bulk of which coming in the fifth set. Salvador Depante, Patrick Roxas and Chrostian Arbastro also delivered solid outings for the Active Smashers who held a 44-38 edge on attack points.
Down two sets to one, the Active Smashers came out with urgency in the fourth set which they finished off in 19 minutes.
Sustaining their form at the net, Systema wrapped up the fifth set in just 15 minutes.
The Active Smashers put up a virtual wall at the net, registering 11 blocks.
Systema fielded actor Richard Gomez in the first set before the national team player returned as a substitute in the last two frames. He finished with three points.
Greg Dolor topscored for FEU with 12 hits.
Earlier, National U walloped the Philippine Under-17 girls squad, 25-19, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21, in an exhibition match serving as part of the national team’s buildup for international competitions. The Nationals dropped to 0-2 after losing in their debut to FEU last Sunday.