Army’s PJ Roxas in the Spikers’ Turf. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — PJ Rojas and Mark Enciso powered Army past Vanguard, 25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, for their second win in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Rojas drilled 15 kills to finish with a game-high 16 points, while Enciso delivered 13 points and provided a steady defense with eight digs as the Troopers improved to a 2-1 record, tying idle Imus in fourth place.
Jaylo Labide had an all-around game for Army with nine points, 11 excellent receptions, and eight digs, as Kevin Liberato added seven markers to bounce back from a four-set loss to AMC Cotabato last week.
However, Army coach Melvin Carolino was not pleased with their defense as they only had a total of four blocks against Vanguard’s seven.
“We’re unable to block their attacks in the third set. I told them we can’t afford to keep them spiking because we won’t be able to score. But if we start [contesting] their attacks, we can gain points,” said Carolino in Filipino.
“Good thing, we are all soldiers. Once you instruct them, they will follow right away. That’s why our team is solid,” he added.
The Volley Hitters refused to be swept as Vince Abrot and Razzel Palisoc took charge to win the third set. But the Troopers were quick to get their act together, unleashing a 15-6 start in the fourth only for the former to cut it down to two, 17-15.
Liberato conspired with Jaidal Abdulmajid to put on the finishing touches and send Vanguard to its second straight loss in three matches.
Abrot led the Volley Hitters with 15 points built on 10 attacks and five aces and had 10 excellent receptions and nine digs. Palisoc had 13 points, while Joven Camaganakan added 10 markers as they dropped to a 1-2 card.