ABDURAJID Jalil struck hard thrice during crucial moments in the fifth set to lift Philippine Merchant Marine to a 25-16, 25-14, 23-25, 20-25, 15-12 upset win over La Salle-Dasmarinas right at the Patriots’ own home court.
Jalil's big plays carried the Mariners to their second win in four games Wednesday in the men's division of the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) volleyball tournament at the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium courts.
In women's action, the Lady Patriots quickly disposed of the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards, 25-21, 25-23, 25-15, with Mara Galicia scoring crucial points in the second set with her serves.
One of Jalil's kills shattered a 7-all tie and sent the Mariners racing to a 10-7 lead.
His second kill came after the Patriots replied with a spike to the middle from Francis Basilan, touching off another series of attacks from the Mariners, who then got two more points from Alsali Pajiji as they took a five-point edge in the ensuing plays, 13-8.
Jalil's third big point, a jump spike, ended the set, 15-12, in favor of the Mariners, who handed the Patriots their first loss after three outings.
La Salle-Dasma is coming off a 25-11, 25-15, 25-20 drubbing of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite.
The Patriots' setback gave the Olivarez College Sea Lions a chance to move into the lead.
The Sea Lions picked up their second straight win at the expense of the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunders, 25-9, 25-13, 25-20, last Monday.
The Mariners, coached by Robert Buenamente, will try to improve their record when they clash with the RTU Blue Thunders on Friday.
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.
