Negros blockers spill Iloilo spikers in two sets, 29-27, 25-19

Negros executed effective blocks against Iloilo in Game 8 Volleyball Boys, Secondary

 By: Dennis B. Bade

Winning a volleyball game is not all about offense. Sometimes it’s more on defense.

Negros defenders confirmed this as they shade Iloilo, last year’s champion with a straight set in game 8 of volleyball boys, secondary, 2-0, 4:35 p.m. of February 10, 2014 at EBJ Memorial Sports Centre, San Jose de Buenavista.

John Paul Dolar, key player of Iloilo fired strong spikes against his opponents in the opening of first set leading the score at 23 -18.

Emmanuel Isidto Jr., starplayer of Negros did not lose hope despite of the 5-point lead of the opposing team, with a booming kill setting the score at 23-19. Iloilo called a timeout after this.

Player number 8 of Negros continued the momentum of the game when he fired out two kills, 23-21 but he was blocked in his third attempt, 24-21.

A sudden death was felt when scores nailed to 24-24 with the strong blocks worked out by Negros.

Exchange of powerful spikes was observed between the starplayers of two teams and raised the score at both 27 but Dolar was blocked twice next finishing the set at 29-27.

The second was in favored with the Negros composed of players from St. Joseph School, University of St. La Salle, St. John Institute, E.B. Magalona National High School, Hinigaran National High School and Doña Moserat National High School as they crushed the previous champion with series of kills and blocks ended the set at 25-19.

Team Negros grasped the limelight of their happiness after winning against Iloilo

 According to Michael Larroza, coach of Negros their secret was rigid training with 4-5 hours a day court workout.

“We did not only focused on our offense but we invest much in our defense leading us to win today in our match”, said Isidto Jr, a fourth year student of St. Joseph School.

After winning the game the team ranked one in the elimination round of the tournament.