PVL deputies shine as Alpha cogs
Alpha Insurance found an edge on the court—and on the bench—with Billie Anima and JM Apolinario guiding the Protectors to a strong start in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Anima and Apolinario, both assistant coaches in the Premier Volleyball League, helped orchestrate Alpha’s 19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-22 upset of back-to-back bronze medalist Savouge on Monday at FilOil EcoOil Center.
New recruit Barbie San Andres delivered 19 points on debut, teaming up with Anima in the clutch as the latter came up with key blocks to close out the final two sets.
“It’s a big advantage,” said head coach Mike Santos, who also coaches with PLDT. “It’s not hard to coach them because they already know what they’re doing. That’s our goal as players—to be able to teach others. For them, it’s easy because they already have that experience.”
Anima, also part of Petro Gazz’s staff, scored eight points, including six blocks. Apolinario, who assists at Galeries Tower, tallied 14 excellent sets.
