BY ABBY TORALBA
WITH its back pushed against the ropes, Army-Katinko eked out a thrilling 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 17-25, 15-6 decision over Santa Rosa City yesterday to remain in the hunt for a semifinals slot in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
Madz Gampong led the Troopers’ assault with 22 points, 13 off attacks, seven blocks, and two service aces, along with 12 excellent digs.
Open hitter Benjaylo Labide added 20 markers, while Patrick Rojas finished with 12 kills and 14 excellent receptions for Army.
John Diwa also scored 11 markers and libero John Bayking had 19 digs and 13 excellent receptions as the Troopers snapped a four-match skid that included a 30-32, 15-25, 25-16, 15-25 loss to Ateneo-Fudgee Barr last Saturday and improved to 1-4.
The Lions absorbed their fourth straight defeat, counting a 16-25, 16-25, 22-25 setback to National University-Sta. Elena six days ago, and fell to 1-4.
“Maganda iyong first set namin kahit may service errors, second set nag-less iyong errors namin sa service at the same time gumana iyong block hanggang na-retain namin hanggang fifth set,” Army coach Melvin Carolino said. “Nag-less kami sa service error tapos gumanda rin iyong receive tapos iyong blocking gumana sa fifth set. Kaya sabi ko mananalo na kami.”
“Ang sinabi ko nga sa kanila, no mercy (in this game) kasi natalo kami ng Ateneo. Sabi ko lang no mercy na itong game na ito kasi do-or-die (para sa samin),” he added.
Jade Disquitado paced Santa Rosa with 22 points, while Sean Labrador and Kris Hernandez added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
While it was Army’s only first victory after four straight losses, it revived the Troopers’ bid for the last semifinal berth as it tied its victim at sixth, just a couple of games behind fourth-running VNS-One Alicia and half-a-game off fifth-running Ateneo-Fudgee Barr.
