Marteli Meats finally snapped its six-game losing streak with an emphatic 25-19, 25-20, 25-19 win over Chichi DHTSI in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig on Sunday.
In a clash of winless teams, the Master Butchers came out with renewed vigor, showcasing a cohesive game plan with sharp offense and strong defensive patterns that had been missing in their previous outings. Their well-rounded performance left no room for the Titans to mount a serious challenge.
“Masaya kami, after ilang games na naghihirap kami, nakuha din namin ang panalo,” said Renz Cruz, who led the charge with 10 points, including six attacks, two blocks and two aces, earning him Player of the Game recognition.
He credited the team’s defense as what anchored their straight-set romp, saying:
Cruz emphasized the pivotal role of their defense in securing the win, saying: “Importante yung depensa kasi ‘pag yung mga reception namin ay mahina, bumabawi kami sa blocking.”
This defensive discipline proved instrumental, as Martelli Meats consistently thwarted Chichi DHTSI’s attempts to gain momentum.
The Titans showed some resistance late in the match, saving two match points before Martelli’s middle blocker Lorenz Calayag delivered the winning kill to seal the victory.
While the win does not affect the semifinal race for Martelli Meats, who were already eliminated with an 0-6 record, it was a much-needed morale boost. The team now hopes to build on this success and embrace the role of spoilers in their remaining match against the Navy Sealions on Nov. 27 in the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision and powered by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Head coach Michael Conde credited the team’s relaxed approach for the dominant performance, which allowed his players to execute their game plan without undue pressure.
“Ito ‘yung hinihintay namin na panalo. Enjoy na lang ‘yung team, wala ng pressure para tuloy tuloy lang. ‘Yung mga unang games kasi gusto namin agad manalo, pressured ‘yung mga bata,” said Conde.
“Natural lang na naglaro lang sila, hinayaan ko lang sila na kung ano ‘yung tinraining namin, ‘yun ‘yung gawin nila sa game,” he added.
Angelo Reyes and Kenrod Umali backed Cruz with nine and eight markers each in the one-hour, 12-minute victory.
Cruz drew solid support from teammates Angelo Reyes and Kenrod Umali, who contributed nine and eight points, respectively. Setter Wilbert Cebrero orchestrated their offense with 10 excellent sets and added two points, while Ricardo Alfaro anchored their floor defense with 17 excellent receptions.
For Chichi DHTSI, it was another frustrating outing as the Titans absorbed their eighth consecutive loss. Jonathan Sorio once again led the Titans with 14 points from 10 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Christian Alicante added 11 markers.
The Titans will wrap up their campaign, also on Nov. 27, against tournament favorites Criss Cross King Crunchers, hoping to salvage some pride in their final match.
The Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference is organized by Sports Vision and powered by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
