MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Go for Gold-Philippine Air Force brandished its championship might and hammered down Centro Escolar, 25-16, 25-16, 25-13, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Thursday at Paco Arena.
Two-time MVP Randan Abdilla put up 10 points to lead the Jet Spikers while Jeffrey Malabanan, Rudolfo Labrador, and Primo Rueca had six points apiece to help their team to a 2-0 record in Group B.
“Even though I change my players frequently because I want to let them all play, the system remains the same,” said Air Force head coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
Nino Nazareno had nine points to lead the Scorpions who dropped to 0-3.
In the first game, IEM came back from the brink of defeat and grounded Adamson, 20-25, 25-14, 25-27, 25-20, 16-14.
Adamson held a 13-11 lead late in the final frame but the Phoenix Volley Masters scored three straight points to take a 14-13 lead after JM Castillo and Mark Enciso’s defensive stop.
George Labang managed to tie things up at 14-all but Leo Miranda’s error put IEM at match point before Enciso’s block ended the affair.
Enciso had 18 points while Angelo Torres added 16 to lead the Phoenix Volley Masters to their debut win in Group A.
Labang had a game-high 24 points to lead the 1-2 Soaring Falcons.