MANILA, Philippines—University of Perpetual Help took a closely contested affair against shorthanded Hachiran-Far Eastern University, 26-24, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, in Group C of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Tuesday at Paco Arena.
The Tamaraws were without Jude Garcia and Owen Suarez who are in South Korea in their trip with the Cignal HD Spikers.
“This is a big exposure for the team and a huge step in our preparation for the NCAA because we’re the defending champions,” said Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar. “FEU is not a so-so team, that’s the first runner-up in the UAAP and that league has a lot of strong teams.”
Rookies Kennry Malinis and Hero Austria played with strength against the UAAP powerhouse, putting up 17 and 13 points, respectively, for the 2-0 Altas.
JP Bugaoan led the Tamaraws with 16 points.
In the second game, Easytrip got its first victory swept Centro Escolar University, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18.
This was a welcome respite for Easytrip after it won just one game in the Reinforced Conference.
Red Christensen led Easytrip with 13 points while Herman Eugenio and Milo Parcon added eight and six points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas took its first win at the expense of Mapua, 25-22, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23.
Rookie Lorenz Señoron was the main man in the Growling Tigers’ offense, finishing with 19 points while Genesis Redido had 14.
“They’re getting used to the court already and they’re getting their chemistry too,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon. “We joined this tournament for the rookies.”
John San Sebastian had 13 points to lead the Cardinals.