Systema wards off FEU, gains V-League solo lead

MANILA, Philippines - System Tooth and Gum Care leaned on its rock-solid net defense as it pulled off a 29-27, 26-24, 25-18 victory to seize the solo lead in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan City last night.

Sylvester Honrade led all spikers with 14 hits, including six on blocks to propel the Active Smashers to their third straight victory after dropping their opening game match to the Instituto Estetico Manila Volley Masters for the solo lead.

“We knew we needed to tighten our net defense for us to beat them,” said Systema coach Arnold Laniog in Pilipino.

The win pushed the Active Smashers one victory away from nailing the first berth in the best-of-three championship of the inaugural tournament, sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Systema thus repeated over FEU after the former beat the latter, 14-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-9, 15-9, in their first meeting last Oct. 7.

Salvador Depante had a strong game with 12 hits while Christopher Antonio and Anjo Banaga each scattered nine markers.

The Active Smashers also sent the Tams reeling to their third defeat against a win, which came at the expense of the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder, 17-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 16-14, on Oct. 9.