Emilio Aguinaldo College battled back from two sets down then wore down San Beda U in the decider to snatch a 14-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 15-11 victory and keep its slims semifinal hopes alive in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Frelwin Taculog came up big from the bench, scoring 17 points, including a crucial ace in the fifth that gave the Generals a 13-10 cushion. He also came through with 10 excellent receptions that helped fuel the team’s late surge in the third that had them striking back from 22-23 down to extend the match.
EAC built on that escape to dominate the fourth then went on to complete the victory in a duel of unbeaten teams.
The Generals thus snapped a four-game skid while inflicting the Red Spikers their fourth straight defeat in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Middle Jester Bormel likewise shone in a change of role, coming away with 15 points, including 13 on attacks, and providing the needed backup for Taculog.
“Magandang halimbawa sila na kahit naghahanap pa kami ng tao na p’wedeng pumosisyon na p’wede naming madala sa NCAA. Maganda na makita na meron silang potensyal,” said EAC coach Rod Palmero.
The power-hitting Kevin Montemayor top-scored with 20 points while Andrei Bakil added 15 markers for San Beda, whose 37 errors took their toll on the Red Spikers’ bid.