DEBUT WIN. Arnel Christian Aguilar of St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde attempts to score against Lerry John Francisco (No. 11) and Al-Frazin Abdulwahab (No. 10) of Philippine Coast Guard during the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena on Nov. 3, 2023. The Blazers won, 25-15, 25-16, 25-20, in their debut game. (PVL Images)
MANILA – St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde outplayed Philippine Coast Guard, 25-15, 25-16, 25-20, in its debut in the Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena on Friday.
Arnel Christian Aguilar had nine attacks and three service aces as the Blazing Blazers claimed victory after one hour and 20 minutes.
Jacob Agassi Herrera added 10 points while Alvin Bryle Gomez made 14 excellent receptions for Benilde, which survived a tough third set where the Coast Guard moved to within 18-20.
"Since the first game, kailangan lang mai-apply yung pinag-ensayuhan namin. Hinarap nila yung challenge na first game. Kanina, may mga pressure pa pero naging maganda naman yung result (Since the first game, we just need to apply what we’ve practiced. They faced the challenge of the first game. At first, there was still pressure but the result was good)," St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde head coach Arnold Laniog said after the match.
"Sabi ko naman, every time na mag-fill in kami ng kung sinong player, dapat hindi magbabago yung momentum. Eh medyo nag-iba, nagpasok ako ng second-stringers dahil ito yung chance nila para ma-expose since first game rin para sa mga susunod, mas ready sila (I said every time we fill in a player, the momentum should not change. It's a bit different, I entered second-stringers because this is their chance to be exposed since it's also the first game for the next ones, they're more ready)," he added.
Kevin John Dela Vega scored seven points while Lerry Francisco chipped in six points for the Lifesavers, who took their second straight setback.
Meanwhile, Benilde will return to action on Nov. 12 against Davies Paint-Adamson while Coast Guard resumes its bid for the elusive win against powerhouse Cignal on Wednesday.
"Mag-schedule pa rin kami ng mga tune-ups especially nasa tapat lang nila yung brother school nila na La Salle na kami rin naman may handle so yun once or twice a week naman nagtu-tune-up talaga kami. Kapag hindi naman sila, naghahanap kami ng iba (We will still schedule tune-ups, especially their brother school, La Salle, is right across from them, which we also handle, so once or twice a week, we really tune-up. When they don't, we look for someone else)," Laniog said. (PNA)
