Philippine Navy Lady Sailors withstood the pesky attacks of Fourbees-Perpetual Lady Altas in five sets, 23-25, 25-12, 25-15, 20-25, and 15-11, in their preliminary matchup in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference this evening, at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Navy owned the second frame of the match, as their quick attacks and combination plays were enough to keep Fourbees at bay. Lilet Mabbayad and Carissa Martinez were the heavy hitters in the said set, claiming the majority of the attacks Navy had. With their firepower, Navy demolished Fourbees, 25-12, devaluing the close 25-23 first set victory of the latter.
The Lady Sailors executed greatly in the third set. Despite Fourbees keeping it close, Navy found ways to break away, as they eventually posted a commanding 21-12 lead, after Pauline Genido’s quick attack. The Lady Altas tried to regain their stance on the offensive end by scoring in a few rallies, but Navy proved to be too much when Labiano scored a hit off the block to close out the set, 25-15.
The fourth set was dominated by the Lady Altas. After a slow pace from the start to midway into the set, Fourbees coasted away, posting a six-point cushion, 20-14, after a Suyat open hit. Rallies after rallies took place afterwards until the Lady Altas were gunning for set point, 24-19, as Diocareza scored off a spike. However, Navy cut Fourbees’ streak after Acuña scored through an attack over a phalanx of Fourbees defenders, 24-20. Acuña tried to get her offense going, but her service did not go over the net, letting Fourbees own the fourth set, 25-20.
Both teams fought close in the fifth set, but Fourbees had the upper hand in the early part, quickly posting a 5-3 lead after an Ana Diocareza attack. The Lady Sailors, however, crawled back, sending the match to a six-all draw, and behind Lilet Mabbayad, Hezzymie Acuña, Jolina Labiano, and Norie Jane Diaz, led most of the way as they saw themselves ahead by four, 14-10. The Lady Altas, however, scored off a cross-court hit by Jamel Suyat, halting Navy’s run, 14-11. Unfortunately, Suyat failed to spark a comeback as her spike went outside the line, ending the match at 15-11, and sealing the win for Navy.
Five Lady Sailors led Philippine Navy’s offense as they each scored in double figures. Mabbayad led all scorers with 22 points from 12 spikes. Martinez supplied 11 markers, while Diaz chipped in 11. Acuña and Labiano each had 10. Furthermore, Diocareza and Imbo each had 12 points to lead Fourbees-Perpetual in a losing effort.
“Dinagdagan namin ‘yung mga kulang namin sa blockings,” said Philippine Navy Head Coach Edgardo Rusit, regarding the adjustments his team made down the stretch. “Sa depensa puro yun ‘yung puro ginawa namin kasi yun ‘yung napakalaking kulang namin sa lahat ng games namin,” he added.
With the win, Navy improved their record to 2-2. They will face PLDT next Thursday, April 23.
