Aguilas outlasted the debuting Steel Spikers by a straight three sets defeat, 25-15, 28-26, 25-20.

John Vic de Guzman mainly gunned the team by contributing 17 points off 14 attacks and three aces in which coach Dante Alinsunurin was grateful to de Guzman’s addition to the Air Force.

“We have the same system because he is also with the national team. It’s not hard for him to make adjustments, it’s very much the same,” said coach Alinsunurin.

“Naging maganda yung naging performance namin ngayong araw na ‘to. Medyo tumaas yung porsyento namin sa service-receive kaya yung plano namin sa loob nagawa namin,” he added.

But for de Guzman, the contribution of a player to the team is what matters the most and not performance individually as a player.

“It’s all about teamwork. Whatever you can give to the team, you can do it. Don’t think of what you can do, I mean whether you are the highest scorer. The important thing is your contribution to the team. Our team’s jelling team so we can win games. That’s our goal.”

Mark Alfafara, on the other hand, who is also a newcomer like de Guzman also became one of the top players of the game and bolstered 13 points, followed by Berhashidin Daymil’s nine points.

While the Steel Spikers will still contest for a spot in Pool A as they battle Manileño Spikers on Wednesday at 1:30 pm.