By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Negros ICC Blue Hawks solidified their hold of the top spot in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) league after a 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21 victory over the San Juan Lady Knights – Go For Gold at the Marikina Sports Center on Thursday, November 16.
Setter Charlotte Tutanes played a pivotal role for the streaking Blue Hawks with her ball distribution to be named Player of the Game with her 26 excellent sets and four-point output.
According to Tutanes, Blue Hawks head coach Edgar Barroga has always reminded them not to look at their current standings, as he wants his players to continue striving hard in practices.
“Very happy and very blessed, kasi alam namin na ginawa namin lahat sa training para po mapunta kung nasaan kami ngayon, which is on top of the standings,” Tutanes said in a post-game interview.
“Lagi kaming nire-remind ni coach na trabahuhin namin sa training and self-discipline. He also said na we should keep our feet on the ground. Kahit na number one kami, need pa din namin paghirapan para magdere-deretso ang panalo,” she added.
The Blue Hawks currently occupy the top-spot in the standings, with five victories and a loss, while the veteran-laden Lady Knights continued their struggle as they dropped to 2-4.
On Wednesday night, November 15, the Blue Hawks also secured a 25-14, 23-25, 25-23, 26-24 victory against the Biñan Tatak Gel – I Am Worldwide behind the heroics of Angel Mae Habacon.
The San Beda University Lady Red Spikers standout had another efficient game for the Blue Hawks against Tatak Gel as Habacon finished with 12 points on 11 attacks and one block.
“Sobrang grateful kay God kasi binigyan niya kami ng ganitong opportunity,” Habacon said.
“Happy din kasi first season pa lang ng MPVA pero mas nagiging buo kami as a team,” she added.
The Negrenses will try to continue their winning ways as they will be closing the first round of the eliminations against the Marikina Lady Shoemasters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Sunday, November 19./ASC, WDJ