Winless Surabaya Samator finally tastes victory

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Surabaya Samator's men's team redeemed itself on Friday with a win after a hat trick of losses in the Sampoerna Hijau Proliga Volley Ball championship.

The defending champions trounced Yogya Tomkins 3-0 (25-16, 25- 23, 25-19) on the opening day of the third leg of the series at Bung Karno Basketball Stadium, Senayan, Central Jakarta.

Despite winning both of its matches in the first leg in Jakarta, Yogya Tomkins appeared vulnerable on its front line and in defense this time around.

Joni Sugiatno, Aris A. Risqon and Oktavian were key in Surabaya Samator's win, displaying powerful spikes combined with excellent blocks.

"Our team is starting to get into form at present after losing several matches," Surabaya Samator assistant coach Ibarsyah DT said.

"But we're still not at our peak, probably only 75 percent of our best."

Yogya Tomkins head coach Putut Marhaento said his team was out of sorts on the day, and could not settle into a playing rhythm.

"Everything we did just wasn't right."

Yogya Tomkins is now 2-2 after its matches during the first leg in Jakarta and the second in Bandung.

In other games on Friday, women's team Art Deco Bank Jabar of Bandung fought off defending champion Jakarta Electric PLN of Jakarta 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 28-26) and men's team Jakarta 46 BNI of Jakarta thrashed Jakarta Electric PLN of Jakarta 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-20).

Art Deco's players played well, while their opponents, a mostly new team still relying heavily on the contribution of Aline "Lily" Pereira of Brazil and Gisella Dela C of Peru, could not lift their game at crucial points.

Several spikes from the usually flawless Dela and Lily were easily blocked by Art Deco players. Jakarta Electric PLN had only itself to blame for failing to capitalize on its chances, especially when leading 22-18 in the second game.

As of Friday, Jakarta 46 BNI and Jakarta Monas Bank DKI led the overall men's standings with three wins and no losses, while Jakarta 46 BNI's women were still atop the table with a perfect 4-0 record.