By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros ICC Blue Hawks opened their Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) 2023 campaign with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-19 victory over the Caloocan AM Spikers at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City over the weekend.

Opposite spiker Angel Mae Habacon was adjudged Player of the Game after tallying 15 points to steer the Blue Hawks to victory in the tournament, which was attended by eight local government unit-based squads.

“Nag-enjoy lang kami and ‘yung team work nandu’n talaga, and ‘yung communication din, kaya mas naging compose kaming lahat, at na-execute namin ang pinapagawa ni coach,” Habacon said.

“I always remind my teammates to smile lang, all out lang, and enjoy the game para mas magaan ‘yung game namin,” the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers volleybelle added.

The Blue Hawks squad, which was handled by veteran mentor Edgar Barroga, was composed mostly of players from the Lady Red Spikers and Immaculada Concepcion College.

In the other game, the Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers overcame a second-set defeat to score a close 29-27, 23-25, 25-19, 26-24 victory over the visiting San Juan Lady Knights.

Veteran setter Venice Puzon displayed her efficient ball distribution aside from contributing seven markers, including five service aces, to be named Player of the Game for the Golden Coolers.

“Nagtitiwala lang ako sa instinct ko, kung sino ang mas makakapatay ng bola,” Puzon said on her ball distribution.

“Hinahanap ko lang palagi kung saan mas mataas ang porsyento [na makaka-score ‘yun teammate ko],” she said.

“Kumukuha lang din ako ng tiwala sa sarili ko and sa coaches ko. ‘Yung trust nila sa akin na kaya kong i-serve ng maayos, and ‘yung trust din sa akin ng teammates ko,” she added.

Janeth Tulang top-scored with 13 points, Negrense Joan Doguna added 12 markers, while Johna Dolorito contributed 10 markers for the Golden Coolers, which is composed of players from the Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates./ASC, WDJ