Coming off a four-set loss to ClearSkiiin, 3B bounced back by fending off the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 25-18, 25-12, 23-25, 25-21, to secure its first win in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Event Masters leaned on a balanced offensive attack led by Harry Ocay to recover from their 25-21, 15-25, 22-25, 16-25 defeat to the UV Smashers and hand the Cavaliers their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
Ocay delivered 21 points on 18 attacks, two aces, and one block, while adding 15 excellent receptions to help 3B even its record at 1-1.
“Yung mindset ko lang is kailangan ko tumulong sa team ko and kailangan kong pumasok, dumpensa, and pumatay ng bola,” said Ocay.
The Jose Rizal University standout had scored 23 points in the Event Masters’ loss to ClearSkiiin, emerging as the team’s lone bright spot. This time, however, he received ample support from his teammates.
Carl Berdal chipped in 19 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Christhian Olaes and Ralph Cabalsa contributed 12 points apiece in nearly two hours of action.
Dominic Castaneda dished out 21 excellent sets as he distributed the scoring opportunities across the 3B lineup, while Joemar Naife and Joshua Datu anchored the floor defense with 10 and nine excellent digs, respectively.
“So sabi ko sa mga players ko ito na ‘yung isang team na pwede naming talunin, so trabahuhin na namin,” said Event Masters head coach Arjay Francisco. “Nung third set nadikitan kami kasi nagpasok kami ng stringers para at least ma-experience nila ‘yung live court.”
“Nung fourth set, nag-reset ulit kami. Binalik namin ‘yung starters talaga namin so nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” he added.
3B controlled the opening two sets before the veteran-laden AFP shook off its sluggish start to take the third and force a tightly contested fourth frame.
The Event Masters, however, held firm down the stretch to seal the victory, capitalizing on their commanding 63-48 advantage in attacks to keep the Cavaliers at bay and close out the match in four sets.
3B will look to build on its breakthrough victory when it takes on the Savouge Spin Doctors on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the same venue, with a second consecutive win on the line.
Meanwhile, AFP absorbed its second straight defeat to fall to 0-2 in the standings.
Ranran Abdilla, who missed the Cavaliers’ opening-game loss to defending champion Criss Cross, led AFP with 26 points on 24 attacks, one ace, and one block. He also tallied 11 excellent receptions.
Herald Domingo added 10 points, while Edwin Tolentino and Kevin Liberato contributed eight points apiece.
AFP will aim to get back on track against AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 1 p.m.
