IEM spikers trim FEU for solo V-League lead

AIZA Maizo-Pontillas of Cagayan (left) thwarts a kill by Meralco’s Maica Morada in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Asserting its might at the net at crucial moments, Instituto Estetico Manila turned back Far Eastern U, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 Tuesday night to gain the solo lead in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Volley Masters, who lost to Rizal Technological University last Sunday, rose to the challenge every time the Tamaraws threatened late in each set to secure their second win in three outings.

It took the Volley Masters just 76 minutes to overwhelm the Tamaraws, who fell to their second loss in three games.

The victory was IEM’s second straight after bungling a 2-1 set lead in dropping a five-setter to Systema.

In the women’s match, Cagayan Valley moved up to second spot after dealing winless Meralco its third loss, 25-14, 25-20, 25-16.

The Rising Suns improved to 2-1 behind idle Army which has a 2-0 mark.

With Karl dela Calzada on the firing end, the Volley Masters survived a second-set fightback by the Tamaraws, before building enough cushion when FEU also came within two points late in the third set.

Dela Calzada fired 11 points, including three off blocks for the Volley Masters, who drew a superb effort from Karl Timbal.

Held to just three points against the Blue Thunder, Timbal wound up with 10 hits this time, helping keep the Tamaraws at bay. IEM and FEU actually had seven points each off blocks but the Volley Masters edged the Tamaraws, 35-32, on attack points.

The Volley Masters’ straight set victory snapped a string of marathon duels in the men’s division, which is being played for the first time in the V-League.

The Tamaraws struggled to carry the momentum of their victory over the Blue Thunder last Thursday.

Typifying FEU’s struggles was Jeric Gacutan, who finished with just six hits, after scoring 13 against RTU.

They managed to draw 11 points each from Franco Camcamo and Greg Dolor.