After a treacherous string of nine matches in which they went winless, the Meralco Power Spikers finally tasted sweet victory for the first time, sweeping the RC Cola-Air Force Raiders 25-21, 28-26, 25-21 in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the De La Salle University – Lipa Sentrium in Laguna.
Fielding a roster of current and former La Sallians, Meralco were almost playing a home game – complete with a gallery of drummers and fans banging out La Salle cheers. For the first time this season, both Meralco’s imports – Liis Kullerkann and Christina Alessi – hit form at the same time. Estonian National team stalwart Kullerkann dropped a game-high 15 points, while American Alessi contributed 12 markers.
The Power Spikers took full advantage of Air Force’s poor reception, firing in eight aces and plenty of serves that merited free balls. Meralco’s offense also managed 42 attacks to Air Force’s 35, and generated eight block kills to Air Force’s three.
When asked about the win, Meralco head coach Ramil De Jesus said it wasn’t too hard to maintain his team’s focus among the hype over their unlikely run in the tournament. “Nag-focus lang talaga ‘yung mga bata. May mga bagay lang talaga na hindi namin macocontrol. Unti-unte na lang namin in-adress ‘yung mga pagkukulang namin sa ensayo,” the decorated coach said.
Meralco’s Mika Reyes contributed nine points, while Kim Fajardo and Cha Cruz each pitched in eight points. Fajardo also tossed 30 excellent sets.
Nebraskan Sara McClinton topped RC Cola with 13 markers, while Puerto Rican Lynda Morales added 10 points. After winning their first match of the season – a five setter against Meralco – RC Cola dropped their following nine matches to end their season outside of the semis picture at 9-1.
Meralco, on the other hand, have a chance to leap frog Air Force in the standings with a win on Monday, November 16 against the Cignal HD Spikers at the San Juan Arena.
The Scores
Meralco (3) – Kullerkann 15, Alessi 12, Reyes 9, Cruz 8, Fajardo 8, Demecillo 1, Mercado 0, Macandili (L)
RC Cola (0) – McClinton 13, Morales 10, Ortiz 5, Dimaculangan 4, Pantino 4, Caballejo 3, Yongco 2, Cases 0, Semana 0, Abanto (L), Balmaceda (L)
