Solid Systema ties for lead

ARMY stalwart Nene Bautista slams one past PLDT’s Ruby de Leon in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Systema Tooth and Gum Care leaned on the heroics of Salvador Depante to overpower Rizal Technological University, 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-22, yesterday and grab a share of top spot in men’s play of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Averaging just 7.5 points in the Active Smashers’ first two games, Depante came out of his shell with a 26-point effort that boosted Systema to its second win in three games.

With a 2-1 record, Systema now shared the lead with Instituto Estetico Manila, which rolled to a straight-sets win over Far Eastern U last Sunday. Just like FEU, the Blue Thunder also fell to 1-2 at the end of the first of the double-round eliminations.

Depante accounted for 20 of the Active Smashers’ 55 attack points apart from providing defense with five blocks. John Angelo Macalma also came up with an efficient performance in dictating the plays for Depante and the rest of the Systema attackers, finishing with 35 excellent sets.

Rhenze Hu also starred for the Volley Smashers, showing impressive court coverage with 21 receptions that proved crucial in holding the Blue Thunder to just 31 attack points.

Also quiet in the first two games, Angelo Espiritu made an impact with 13 hits in Systema’s second straight victory. The Active Smashers opened the season with a five-set loss to the IEM Volley Masters last Oct. 5.

Roland Tonquin, Patrick Rojas and Christian Arbastro combined for 21 hits as Systema completed the win in an hour and 38 minutes.

The Active Smashers kept Alnasip Laja out of his comfort zone as the Blue Thunder’s top attacker struggled to lead from the front. After exploding for 23 points against FEU, Laja was held to just 11 hits this time.

Sahud Masahud paced RTU with 13 hits.