LIPA CITY — MRT-Negros defeated winless Basilan, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20, on Thursday to advance to the battle for fifth place in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League at the Aquamarine Sports Complex.
Christian Marcelino scored 15 as the Negrenses bounced back less than 24 hours after being eliminated from semifinal contention by Global Remit.
Marcelino had 11 kills from 21 attempts and nailed three blocks and an ace.
Coach Ralph Savellano was pleased to see the MRT-Negros players get back after a disappointing loss to Global Remit.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata na it's a battle of pride na lang. We tried our na makapasok sa semis pero unfortunately hindi ibinigay sa amin,” Savellano said. “All out pa rin kasi it's a great opportunity na makalaro dito sa ganitong klaseng liga. Malaking exposure 'to para sa mga bata.”
MRT-Negros vs Sabong International
MRT-Negros advanced to the battle for fifth place against Negros Oriental-based Sabong International on Friday at 10 a.m.
Jet Nonoy and Matthew Salarzon delivered six points each as MRT-Negros pounced on Basilan’s 32 errors.
The Steel Spikers failed to win a single set in three matches, bowing earlier to Go for Gold Air Force and VNS.
Esmail Kasim was the lone player from Basilan to score in double figures with 11 points but he struggled in attacking with a 9 of 29 clip.
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.
