3 days ago
Louie Ramirez stars vs. Indonesian club in Alas Pilipinas Invitationals opener
Louie Ramirez shone on both ends to steer the Philippines to a 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22 win against Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi of Indonesia in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former NCAA MVP out of the Perpetual ALTAs poured in 25 points anchored on 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to rally the hosts against the mighty Indonesians to open their home stand on a winning note.
"Ang mindset lang namin is mailaro 'yung dapat na mailaro namin at gusting mangyari ni coach Angiolino kasi grabe 'yung paghihirap namin sa training na araw-araw," Ramirez said.
"Sabi lang niya maipakita namin kung ano 'yung gusto niyang mangyari."
Ramirez made his presence felt early, unleashing a flurry of attacks that allowed the Philippines to take a 20-19 lead in the opening set before opposite hitter Steven Rotter finished it off from the left side.
The Ramirez-Rotter tandem continued to work wonders in Set 2, but an attack error from the former NCAA star allowed the Indonesian club to take the extended frame to level the series.
Alas made sure to create some separation in the third with team captain Marck Espejo gettin lucky on the push to give his side the match point at 24-20 before Rotter sealed it with an off-the-block bullet, 25-20.
Debuting Ken Batas, the reigning UAAP MVP, provided the spark off the bench by scoring three quick points in the fourth frame, including a huge rejection that sent Alas to the match point, 24-21.
Indonesia's own service error put the punctuation for the Philippines.
Rotter finished with 14 points while NU star Buds Buddin chipped in 11 markers.
Alas Pilipinas will look to make it back-to-back wins when the FIlipinos tangle with Hyundai Capital Skywalkers of South Korea on Wednesday.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
