AJAA Spikers wary of Vanguard

Games today: (Paco Arena)

3 p.m. — Imus vs Vanguard 5:30 p.m. — Army vs Santa Rosa City

Imus head coach Sammy Acaylar warns his squad against complacency.

The seasoned mentor hopes that his AJAA Spikers have already learned their lesson when they face struggling Vanguard today in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.

Game time is at 3 p.m. to be followed by the encounter between Army and Santa Rosa City at 5:30 p.m.

Imus returned to its winning ways after seeing its two-game win streak snapped but not after a close-shaved escape over Philippine Navy last week.

The AJAA Spikers squandered a two-set advantage before hanging on for a 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 21-25, 15-12, squeaker.

Acaylar doesn’t want his team to make the same mistakes as last time to improve its 3-1 win-loss record and keep at pace with unbeaten teams Cotabato (3-0), Cignal (4-0) and Iloilo (4-0). The AJAA Spikers hold the solo fourth spot ahead of VNS (3-2).

“As a coach, I don’t like it when there is complacency because it lowers the morale of the players after a loss,” the multi-titled mentor said.

Kim Malabunga and Hero Austria, who posted 15 and 14 points, respectively, against the Sea Lions, are expected to lead the squad in the right direction with veterans Joshua Villanueva, Ridzuan Muhali, prized setter Ish Polvorosa and libero Rikko Marmeto providing support.

Vanguard, on the other hand, is on a three-game losing skid after a promising start in its maiden campaign in this 11-team league.

The Volley Hitters suffered a stinging 25-21, 17-25, 22-25, 25-23, 11-15, defeat at the hands of erstwhile winless and young Santa Rosa City side.

Holding a 1-3 card, Vanguard is tied with Navy, just ahead of the Lions and Air Force, which carry identical 1-4 slates.