After going without a win last season, the Meralco Power Spikers took care of the Navy Lady Sailors in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21 at the San Juan Arena.
Navy held leads late in sets but just could not quell Meralco’s comeback assaults. The Power Spikers gave up 26 errors but made up for their sloppy play with 12 aces and nine block kills.
Former La Salle Lady Spiker, Cha Cruz led Meralco with 15 points off eight attacks five blocks and two aces. Former Lady Tamaraw, Maica Morada trailed Cruz’s effort with 13 markers which includes six aces.
The Power Spikers immediately grabbed hold of the momentum in the opening set, taking an 8-3 lead which ballooned to 16-12 heading into the second technical timeout. Navy responded as Norie Diaz scored on three consecutive attacks, highlighting a 6-0 Lady Sailor run that gave them an 18-16 lead. A splendid run at the service line from Maica Morada in which she netted three aces, pulled Meralco back in front for good.
The Lady Sailors opened the following set with more intensity as Meralco fumbled away errors. Meralco managed to keep things close, not letting Navy go up by more than three. Aby Maraño garnered a yellow card that sparked a run wherein Meralco went from trailing, 17-14 to taking the set comfortably.
Navy got off to a good start again on the final set, but could not answer Meralco’s counterattack. The Lady Sailors led for much of the early goings of the set peaking at an 8-4 advantage. Meralco’s veterans closed the set wonderfully as Fille Cayetano and Paneng Mercado came off the bench and provided an offensive surge to overtake Navy for good.
“Masaya ako sa jelling ng team. Kahit magkakalaban ‘yung karamihan sa kanila sa PSL, makikita mo naman ‘yung chemistry,” said Meralco Coach, Brian Esquibel.
Meralco will face the Baguio Summer Spikers on April 12 while Navy has army on April 14.
The Scores:
Meralco (3) РCruz 15, Cayetano 13, Mara̱o 11, Mercado 8, Cayetano 4, Angustia 3, Legacion 3, Guevara 2, Reyes (L)
Navy (0) РDiaz 8, Labiano 8, Mabbayad 7, Acuna 4, Genido 4, Martonez 2, Ticar 2, Caraan 1, Dela Cruz 0, Palad 0, Desenga̱o 0, Fortuno (L)
