LIPA CITY – MRT-Negros lost a two-set lead and rallied from a 7-10 hole in the decider to beat Sabong International Spikers, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12 in the PNVF Champions League men’s inaugurals Monday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here.
Jian Matthew Salarzon, a 18-year old standout from Bacolod’s Living Stone International School, showed promise as the 6-foot-3 middle blocker had five blocks and three service aces to finish with 18 points for MRT-Negros.
Trailing by three, MRT-Negros scored eight of the match’s last 10 points to notch its first win in Pool B.
The victory also served as a fitting birthday gift to MRT-Negros mentor Ralph Savellano, who showed tremendous poise in his coaching debut.
“This is the first time to coach this kind of team, this kind of league. But I know to myself, it doesn’t matter how old you are, the experience you have. It’s all about preparation,” said Savellano, a product of the highly-successful University of Perpetual Help System Dalta men’s volleyball program.
“I know we can compete. These players will give their 110 percent best in this tournament,” he added.
Christian Marcelino, who led MRT-Negros fightback in the fifth set, had 16 points and 10 digs while Jet Nonoy contributed 12 points, including the match-winner, and 11 digs.
“I told the boys it’s all about the will to win attitude. That’s why I kept them on pushing until they brought back the intensity in their game,” said Savellano.
For the Sabong International Spikers, Charles David Absin led the way with 15 points, while Mark James Rocamora and Ramil de la Cruz had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Salarzon, who also participated in the PNVF indoor tryouts in Subic last April, is looking forward to play at a higher level.
MRT-Negros will go up against Team Dasma at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in the day two of the tournament thathas Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors and BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors as silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.
“I’m happy and excited that this is my firsttime to play here and get the opportunity to play against my volleyball idols,” said Salarzon.
The games are live streamed over the PNVF official website volleyballphilippines.com, iWantTFC for local and international audiences, Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports Facebook pages and YouTube channels and Gigaplay.