IEM wards off Navy in Spikers Turf opener

MANILA, Philippines – Instituto Estetico Manila leaned on a strong game by Greg Dolor as it turned back a fighting Philippine Navy, 25-22, 25-22, 27-25, yesterday to bare its title intention in the second Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at The San Juan Arena.

The power-spiking Dolor unloaded a game-high 18 hits including 12 on kills as the Phoenix Volley Masters nailed their first win.

Dolor’s effort was best felt on the defensive end as he came through with a match-best six blocks.

“He carried us in this match, we feed on his energy today (yesterday),” said IEM coach Ernesto Balubar.

Balubar said he hopes to do better this year after failing to even make the semifinals of this same conference and the Reinforced Conference last year.

“We have a strong hope we would have a good season because the players are really determined to win,” said Balubar.

IEM actually won the first ever men’s league’s by the Shakey’s V-League before the men’s tournament was named Spikers Turf to start last season.