By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros-ICC Blue Hawks overcame a tough challenge from the Caloocan AM Spikers for a come-from-behind 17-25, 25-23, 25-18, 20-25, 15-8 victory in the 2024 MPVA Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Thursday, August 22.

Ivy Lhyn Aquino showed steadiness on offense as she finished with 17 points, built on 11 attacks, five service aces and one block as the Blue Hawks notched their second straight win for a 2-1 win-loss card.

According to Aquino, the victory was a huge boost to the Blue Hawks’ confidence as they are still in the process of building their chemistry after losing several players during the offseason.

“Sobrang saya na nakuha namin itong game na ito kasi nakikita naming mag-payoff ‘yung mga sacrifices namin and ‘yung mga pinaghirapan namin sa training,” Aquino said in her Player of the Game interview.

“Maganda para sa team na ito ‘yung panalo kasi ang dami naming naranasan na errors sa game, especially sa defense at communication ng team. Na-overcome pa din namin at nakuha itong win,” she added.

The AM Spikers are currently in the cellar of the standings after suffering their second consecutive defeat.

Meanwhile, the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers prevented the Biñan Tatak Gel-1 Pacman Lady Angels’ attempted reverse sweep to pull off a tight 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 23-25, 15-12 victory.

Janeth Tulang finished with 17 points, on 15 attacks and two blocks, to earn the Player of the Game citation as the Golden Coolers tied the Blue Hawks with a 2-1 win-loss slate.

The Lady Angels suffered their first defeat after winning their debut game against the AM Spikers on Monday, August 19./ASC, WDJ