SYSTEMA Tooth and Gum Care bounced back from its opening game setback as it denied Far Eastern University in five sets, 14-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-9, 15-9, in the men's division of the Shakey's V-League Season 11 Foreign Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Tuesday.
Christopher Antonio led the way anew with 18 points for the Active Smashers, who were dragged to another decider after a 25-17, 19-25, 18-25, 25-23, 12-15 loss to Instituto Estetico Manila in the opener.
Down by two sets, the Active Smashers came alive in the fourth to take the lead, 12-7, before ending the set with a dominating 13-1 run for a 25-8 lead and extend the match to a decider.
"Katulad noong nakaraan, nagigising lang kami sa fourth set, pero ngayon sa fifth set nagtuluy-tuloy na," said Systema coach Arnold Laniog.
Laniog, however, sees the team chemistry as its weakness.
"Kulang lang kami sa jelling, magagaling 'yung mga players ko individualy masasabi mong mga stars noong college nila, may experience at mga beterano," he said.
"Pero ang question is kung paano sila maglaro sa court, 'yung connection nila. Kasi paano makakapalo ang spiker kung hindi maayos ang biigay sa kanya ng setter, at paano makakaset ang setter kung hindi maganda ang receive," he continued.
Systema evened its record at 1-1 behind league leader IEM 1-0.
Mainstays Rocky Honrade and former team captain Chris Macasaet failed to suit up for the Active Smashers due to personal obligations but new additions Angelo Macalma, Ronald Tonquin and Christian Arbastro came in as replacement.
"Si Honrade andito pa noong Sunday pero kahapon na umaga nagpunta ng Thailand kasi may business si Macasaet naman may trabaho," said Laniog.
Greg Dolor made 12 points for FEU, which started the tournament on a losing note (0-1).
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