Systema Tooth and Gum Care warmed up for the tougher battle ahead with a clinical 25-14, 25-19, 25-22 victory over Rizal Technological U (RTU) last night in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V League Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Already assured of a finals berth, the Active Smashers refused to pull their punches as they pummeled the hapless Blue Thunder to tie fellow finalist Instituto Estetico Manila at 4-1.
The Active Smashers and Volley Masters will still meet for the No. 1 seeding tomorrow before starting their best of three finals series on Sunday. RTU and Far Eastern U have been relegated to a battle for third place on Tuesday.
Systema had little trouble dealing with a seemingly out of sorts RTU squad as Chris Antonio delivered 14 points before sitting out the third set.
Active Smashers coach Arnold Laniog had the luxury of rotating his players as they brace for the showdown with the Volley Masters. Ten Systema players scored as the Active Smashers hacked out the victory in 74 minutes.
Salvador Depante and Sylvester Honrade joined forces for 17 hits for Systema which also enjoyed a 38-27 advantage on attack points.
Honrade provided defensive solidity, accounting for four of Systema’s 10 blocks. The Active Smashers also had six service aces, five more than the Blue Thunder.