ClearSkiiin stays flawless

Game today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

3:30 p.m. — NU-Archipelago Builders vs Alpha Insurance

Newcomer ClearSkiiin kept its flawless record intact with a second straight win at the expense of AEP-Cabstars, 25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.

The UV Smashers proved their debut win was no fluke, rallying from seven points down in the third set before weathering a late run by the Cabstars in the fourth to stay on top of the standings.

JM Ronquillo led three other ClearSkiiin players in double-figure scoring with 16 points. Gela Gayud had 13 markers while Louis Gamban and Jester Bornel finished with 11 each for the UV Smashers, who got 27 excellent sets from Klint Mateo.

“It was an exciting match. But it definitely exposed some things that we need to work on as a team. Definitely proud of what we did today and we’re able to deliver,” ClearSkiiin head coach Joe Bangit said.

Tied at one set apiece, ClearSkiiin overhauled an 11-18 deficit in the third set with an 8-0 counterattack to take the lead. AEP recovered and tied the frame at 23 before Gayud smashed a down-the-line kill followed by a successful net touch challenge as the UV Smashers took the set.

It was also tight in the fourth after AEP made a run to cut its deficit to 23-22. Gayud pushed ClearSkiin at match point before Leo Aringo saved a point. Bornel sealed the win for the UV Smashers with a kill. Mark Escarlote