By Adrian Stewart Co

Christian Marcelino came alive in the fifth set as MRT-Negros prevailed over Sabong International Spikers, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, at the start of the PNVF Champions League men’s tournament yesterday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa, Batangas.

The Hinigaran, Negros Occidental-native unloaded three straight points for the MRT-Negros in the fifth set as they turned a 7-10 deficit to a 14-11 advantage.

The Spikers tried to stay alive with an attack point to trim the deficit to 12-14 but Jet Nonoy came up with a powerful hit to clinch the victory for MRT-Negros.

Marcelino, a standout from University of St. La Salle, finished the match with 16 points, on 14 attacks, one block and a service ace, while also netting 11 excellent digs for MRT-Negros.

Jian Matthew Salarzon led the way for MRT-Negros with 18 markers, including five blocks, Nonoy had double-double 12 points and 11 excellent digs, while Leo Ordiales chipped in 11 points.

For the Sabong International, Charles David Absin led the way with 15 points, while Mark James Rocamora and Ramil de la Cruz had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.

In the first game, Go for Gold-Air Force found the VNS Manileño Spikers a tough nut to crack before carving out a  23-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 15-11 victory.

With the Manileño Spikers closing in an 11-13, Kim Malabunga’s kill put the Aguilas at match point before Mark Alfafara closed out the match for Air Force with a block on Roniey Adviento.

Alfafara had five blocks overall to finish with 19 points to go with nine digs while Malabunga and John Vic de Guzman each had 16 points for Go for Gold.

“Any team can beat everybody,” said Air Force head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “We have a fresh start and the team which is very determined to win will reach the top.”/ASC, WDJ