Spikers’ Turf: Jau Umandal, AMC-Cotabato send Sta. Rosa to 0-4 start

AMC-Cotabato celebrates during a Spikers’ Turf match. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jau Umandal unleashed 22 points to give AMC-Cotabato an early 3-0 league lead after keeping Sta. Rosa winless in four games, 25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 25-17, in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Wednesday at Paco Arena.

Umandal, who recently got his third straight Philippine men’s volleyball team call-up for the Southeast Asian Games, fired 18 spikes, three blocks, and an ace to deliver the Cotabato Spikers’ third straight victory.

The University of Santo Tomas standout was also stellar on the defensive end with 14 excellent receptions, as his fellow national pool members Madz Gampong and Jayvee Sumagaysay chipped in 10 points each.

However, the Cotabato Spikers gave up a total of 40 errors in the match, despite dominating the attacking department 62-43, blocking (13-1), and service aces (5-0).

“Mayroon akong gusto na makitang dalawang rotation na maimprove pero sumama naman ‘yung dalawang posisyon, even lang walang improvement,” said AMC coach Odjie Mamon, who is also the interim mentor of the national team.

“But their grit, composure, and resilience were there. Of course, we are the veteran team compared to our opponents,” he added in Filipino.

AMC setter Kim Dayandante sustained his fine play with 15 excellent sets, as substitute Arnold Bautista contributed seven points, while other national pool call-ups Rex Intal, Lloyd Josafat, and Edward Camposano added six markers each despite playing limited action.

Sta. Rosa fell to a 0-4 card with Yoyong Mendoza leading the way with 13 points, while Axel Van Book added 10 markers.