EAC breaks through, shocks Perpetual in 5

Ruther Abor put up a stellar performance as Emilio Aguinaldo College finally claimed its first victory by upending University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 18-25, 25-20, 25-17, 11-25, 15-9, in a gripping V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge showdown at Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

Abor led the Generals with a commanding 24-point game, consisting of 18 attacks, five blocks and an ace, while Mark Palatino provided solid support, contributing 15 points on 13 spikes and two blocks.

Despite a fourth-set meltdown, the Generals showed remarkable resilience, staging a gutsy comeback in the decider to clinch the elusive victory in two hours and 11 minutes.

“Nakinig yung mga bata sa pinagawa ko especially doon sa system na pinractice namin kaya naging maganda yung reaction ng mga bata. Naniwala kasi sila,” said Generals head coach Rod Palmero. 

Despite a lopsided loss in the fourth set, EAC regrouped, with Abor and Palatino spearheading their charge, aided by Frelwin Taculog, who finished with 10 markers.

The trio combined for eight points during a fiery 11-5 start in the final set, allowing the Generals to hold their ground and savor the sweet taste of victory after four consecutive defeats.

With this win, EAC improved to 1-4 (win-loss) record with the Generals aiming to build momentum as they face the UST Golden Spikers on Sunday, still at Paco Arena.

The victory also put the Generals on par with the idle Ateneo Blue Eagles at the bottom of the eight-team field in this pre-season tournament, which serves as preparation for the upcoming UAAP and NCAA volleyball seasons.

John Castil led the Altas with 13 points, while Kobe Tabuga added 11 markers.

The loss was Perpetual Help’s third against two victories as the Altas dropped to joint fifth with the Letran Knights. They will look to rebound against the Eagles next Wednesday.