INSTITUTO Estetico Manila put one over fellow newcomer Via Mare as it scored a 25-14, 25-19, 25-21 win Wednesday night in the men’s side of the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference at the Astrodome.
Former Far Eastern University standout Karl dela Calzada poured in 16 points from 12 spikes, two blocks, and two service aces for the Phoenix Volley Masters, while Jeffrey Jimenez added 10.
“When he was in FEU he showed a lot of heart and because of that he is expected to deliver,” said IEM coach Jun Balubar.
The win put Phoenix Volley Masters tied with another new team in Cignal on top of the standings with similar 1-0 records.
Balubar admitted the victory surprised him as Via Mare is coached by veteran Vip Isada, who served a mentor of the University of the Philippines women’s volleyball team in 2010.
“Actually I did not expect a straight-set victory. Via Mare is a team guided by a respected coach Vip Isada,” said Balubar.
“I am amazed by the performance of my team, especially in defense. When we are blocked we showed character, we are very persistent in our coverage.”
Julius Raymundo and jan Martinez came up with six points apiece for Via Mare, which is tied with Systema at the cellar (0-1).
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
