Systema clips RTU, shares Shakey’s lead

Games Sunday

4 p.m. – FEU vs Systema

6 p.m. – Meralco vs Army

MANILA, Philippines - Power-hitting Salvador Depante unleashed a 26-point game as System Tooth and Gum Care rolled past Rizal Technological University, 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-22, to catch idle Instituto Estetico Manila at the helm in men’s play of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at The Arena yesterday.

Depante, who scored just six and nine hits against IEM and FEU, showed his true potential this time, ramming in vicious spikes from both corners off John Macalma’s feeds to produce 20 kills for the Active Smashers. He also stood out in defense with five blocks to emerge as the team’s top scorer for the first time.

Angelo Espiritu, who also produced a combined 13-hit game in the first two games, unloaded 19 markers as he combined with Depante in overpowering the Blue Thunder and steering Systema to victory, their second straight after dropping a five-setter to the IEM side last Oct. 5.

The loss was RTU’s second in three games to drop into a tie with Far Eastern U heading to the final phase of the double-round elims among four teams in the season-ending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Systema finished with 55 attacks, 24 more than RTU and came away with 13 blocks as against the Thunder’s nine as the Active Smashers dominated the 1:39-hour encounter to bolster its finals drive in the league where it all started.

Roland Tonquin added seven hits while Patrick Rojas and Christian Arbastro chipped in six points apiece for the Active Smashers, who will gun for a repeat – and the solo lead – against the FEU on Sunday.