MANILA – Negros-ICC Blue Hawks had their first winning streak in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association after a 25-21, 25-16, 25-20 sweep of Nasipit Lady Spikers-Agusan Del Norte over the weekend at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.
Gelah Marie Lopez had an efficient offensive game in the straight-set triumph, as she finished with nine points, all coming from the attack department, to lead the way for the Blue Hawks.
According to Lopez, they refused to be intimidated by the veteran-laden Lady Spikers roster as they banked on their quickness and agility for their second straight win in the tournament.
“Palagi pong sinasabi sa amin ni coach na may advantage po kami sa kanila tulad ng mas bata at mas mabilis po kami sa opponent namin,” Lopez said in a post-game interview.
“Hindi rin kami nagpakampante and palagi rin naming kinakalma ‘yung isa’t isa na iwasan na mag-error kasi ‘yun ‘yung magiging advantage namin sa kalaban namin,” she added.
With the victory, the Edgar Barroga-mentored Blue Hawks improved to a 3-1 win-loss slate, while the Lady Spikers dropped to a 3-3 record following the loss.
Meanwhile, Bacoor City Strikers Metro Land Builders Corp. (6-2) hacked out a 25-15, 25-22, 25-15 straight set win over San Juan Lady Knights Go For Gold Navy (2-3) for their fourth straight win.
Razel Aldea, who had a stellar performance as she finished with 10 points on seven blocks and three attacks, admitted that she has a slow start in the game but was encouraged by the coaching staff to step up.
“Actually, medyo off ako nung first set kasi as a quick hitter, napakabagal ko,” Aldea said. “So, every timeout, ‘yung mga coaches sinasabi sa akin na konting bilis pa since need ko din na makapalo and not just blocking.”
“As the team captain of the team, binibigyan ko sila ng tiwala kasi sa akin din sila kumukuha ng lakas ng loob kapag nasa loob kami ng court,” added the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas standout./PN
