MANILA – MRT-Negros cruised to a 25-20, 25-18, 25-20 victory over the Basilan Steel Spikers Amin Anak Mindanao Party-list in the classification round of the PNVF Champions League men’s division on Thursday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa, Batangas.
Christian Marcelino top-scored with 15 points, on 11 attacks, three blocks and a service ace. Jian Matthew Salarzon and Jet Nonoy added six markers apiece for MRT-Negros.
Leo Ordiales and Gadpray Aresgado also made their presence felt with combined nine points, while Benny Martinez had 13 excellent digs to go with his two points.
MRT-Negros were dominant in the first two sets behind Marcelino and Salarzon and were also close to walloping Steel Spikers in the third following an Aregado attack that gave them a 24-19 edge.
The Steel Spikers, however, pulled one back on a conversion from Mohammad Sulayman but Aregado completed MRT-Negros’ straight-set romp with a kill.
With the win, MRT-Negros moved on to the next phase of classification round. They will face Sabong International Spikers this morning for a chance to end the tournament at fifth place.
MRT-Negros head coach Ralph Savellano said it was unfortunate for the MRT-Negros to be at the short end of the stick in a three-way tie with Global Remit and Sabong International in Pool B that prevented them from reaching the semis.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata na it’s a battle of pride na lang,” said Savellano. “We tried our best na makapasok sa semis pero unfortunately hindi binigay sa amin.”
He added: “Sabi ko all out pa rin kasi it’s a great opportunity na makalaro dito sa ganitong klaseng liga so malaking exposure ‘to para sa mga bata saka sa amin na rin na mga coaches.”.
The Steel Spikers, which ended the first-ever Champions League winless, placing seventh, was led by Esmail Kasim with 11 points, on nine attacks, one block and a service ace./PN
