Patriot spikers suffer first loss against archrival Blue Thunders in a 5-set thriller, 2-3
Succumbing to a devastating defeat despite the team’s impeccable momentum, DLSU-D spikers fell short against Rizal Technological University (RTU) Blue Thunders in a tight five-set match 18-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-23, and 17-19, after committing errors and violations in the National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) yesterday at the National College of Business Administration gymnasium, Quezon City.
“‘Yong late [naging] malaking apekto ‘yon [kasi] pagdating nila dito naglaro sila agad kasi nga ‘di ba ang layo ng [school] natin. Kung maaga sana nakarating makakapag-warm up ng maayos,” head coach Al-Frazin Abdulwahab confessed.
Pulling the curtain, DLSU-D’s Eddiemar Kasim bombarded quick spikes against RTU’s shaky defense, dominating the first part of the fifth set, 3-1. Quickly surging with combinations of spikes and blocks, Blue Thunders roared to lock the scores at 10-all.
As the do-or-die set intensified, referees called numerous violations and errors to the green-and-white court including net touch, double contact from Rafshin Abdulwahab’s sets, and stepping on the line from Eddiemar Kasim. Devastating the Patriots’ hope, Blue Thunder Nash Dulahid finally ended the deuce rallies with a service ace to claim the victory for RTU, 17-19.
Attempting to grab their second victory, DLSU-D spikers will clash against the National College of Business Administration Wild Cats on February 14 at the Colegio de San Lorenzo gymnasium, Quezon City.
