By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros-ICC Blue Hawks had their first winning streak in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) tournament after a 25-21, 25-16, 25-20 sweep of the Nasipit Lady Spikers-Agusan del Norte at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan province over the weekend.

Gelah Marie Lopez had an efficient offensive game in the straight-set triumph, as she finished with nine points, all coming from the attack department, to lead the way for the Blue Hawks.

According to Lopez, they refused to be intimidated by the veteran-laden Lady Spikers roster as they banked on their quickness and agility for their second straight win in the tournament.

“Palagi pong sinasabi sa amin ni coach na may advantage po kami sa kanila, tulad ng mas bata at mas mabilis po kami sa opponent namin,” Lopez said in a post-game interview.

“Hindi rin kami nagpakampante and palagi rin naming kinakalma ‘yung isa’t isa na iwasan na mag-error kasi ‘yun ‘yung magiging advantage namin sa kalaban namin,” she added.

With the victory, the Edgar Barroga-mentored Blue Hawks improved to a 3-1 win-loss slate, while the Lady Spikers dropped to a 3-3 record following the loss.

Meanwhile, the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers vented their ire at the Biñan Tatak Gel – I Am Worldwide with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 straight set victory.

After tasting their first defeat at the hands of the Blue Hawks last November 8, the Golden Coolers pounced on their opponent to move to a share of the No. 1 spot with their 3-1 win-loss slate.

Janeth Tulang was named Player of the Game as she tallied 13 points on 12 attacks and a service ace to lead the way for the Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates-backed Golden Coolers.

“Ang natutunan namin from our loss to Negros is nawala ‘yung tapang namin and ‘yung kapit ng team sa isa’t isa,” Tulang said.

“Binalik namin ‘yung tiwala sa isa’t isa, kaya nakabawi kami this game,” she added./ASC, WDJ