Spikers’ Turf: Imus bags second straight win, routs Air Force

Imus AJAA Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Louie Ramirez sustained his fine play to lead Imus to its second straight win after dominating Air Force, 25-16, 25-16, 25-13, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at Paco Arena.

Ramirez unloaded 16 points built on 13 attacks and three aces to give the AJAA Spikers the early 2-0 league lead in their lopsided 80-minute match against the Jet Spikers.

Imus coach Sammy Acaylar praised his University of Perpetual Help spiker, who has been showing maturity not only for his club team but also for the Altas after ruling a pocket tournament by beating the formidable UAAP squad, NU Bulldogs.

“[Louie] has been showing his maturity and leadership since we won our championship against NU in the PUVL,” said Acaylar on Ramirez, who had an efficient 13-of-21 spiking clip. “I am always telling him and my other players that they should stay humble. Whatever he has been achieving, he remains humble and coachable that’s why the Lord keeps on blessing him with his attitude.”

Ramirez led Perpetual Help to a perfect NCAA Season 98 men’s beach volleyball title run last week and on the following day, he showed no signs of fatigue, unleashing a game-high 17 points to give Imus a debut to remember in the Spikers’ Turf after beating Sta. Rosa in four sets.

Besides Ramirez, Hero Austria also shone with 13 points, eight excellent receptions, and six digs. Setter Ish Polvorosa made 14 excellent sets, as Ridzuhan Muhali chipped in eight points, while Kim Malabunga added seven markers, including three blocks.

Acaylar was surprised that they dominated Air Force, especially in attacking 42-28, as he has high respect for the former Spikers’ Turf champion team.

“I have high respect for [Air Force]. I did not expect that we will win this way and [Air Force] will [struggle]. Maybe they lacked practice, same with us but good thing we had three days to prepare and we were able to build our chemistry right away,” the Imus coach said. “It so happened that most of my players are also in top condition because they played in one-day leagues from other provinces.”

The Jet Spikers slid to a 0-2 record with Ranran Abdilla being the lone bright spot for his team with 12 points.