V-League: RTU edges IEM in five sets

MANILA, Philippines — Rizal Technological University outperformed Instituto Estetico Manila down the wire to fashion out a 25-22, 25-27, 12-25, 29-27, 15-11 win in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Sunday night at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Thunder came back from a 1-2 set deficit and a 22-24 hole in the fourth set to force the deciding set where they carried their momentum.

“We were able to adjust and study our weaknesses,” said RTU head coach George Pascua. “We just need more chemistry and teamwork.”

Alnasip Laja led RTU, which lost to Far Eastern University last Thursday despite taking a two-sets-to-none lead, with 23 points, all on kills. Sahud Masahud added 15.

Jeffrey Jimenez topscored with 25 points that went with four blocks while Karl Ian dela Calzada also tallied 15.

The Phoenix Volleymasters leaned on their net defense which gave them 13 block points but its defense couldn’t hold up until the very end.

IEM failed to follow up its win over Systema last Sunday.