After an uneventful season with her college team, Kim Kianna Dy delivers a career-high 17 points in her PSL debut, powering the Shopinas.com Lady Clickers over the Mane ‘n Tail Lady Stallions in four sets, 25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-12 at the Alonte Sports Arena, Biñan, Laguna.
Dy’s 17 points off 10 attacks, four blocks, and three aces led all scorers, while fellow La Sallian, Stephanie Mercado, bolstered Shopinas’ offense with 10 markers. Team captain, Michelle Laborte and Charlene Cruz both pitched in eight points.
A block from Shopinas team captain, Mic-Mic Laborte established a two-point Lady Clickers lead, 15-13. Their lead lasted them through the end of the set as Mane ‘n Tail’s faulty reception prevented them from setting up attacks.
A quick change of Libero remedied the Lady Stallion’s reception problems, but current DLSU sophomore, Kim Dy started what wound up being her breakout performance. Dy managed five points in the set including two aces and two blocks, pushing the Lady Clickers past a revamped Mane ‘n Tail offense in the second set.
The third set saw a boisterous rally from Mane ‘n Tail as former NCAA MVP, Honey Tubino, came alive, pushing her team to a ten point lead at one point in the set. The Lady Clickers continually coughed up attack errors in the set, hampering any chance at getting back into the set. Kim Dy regained her spectacular touch in the final frame, scoring six points to help close out the Lady Stallions. After being taken out momentarily for the third set, Michelle Laborte started the fourth set, and helped disrupt Mane ‘n Tail’s attacks and keying her team to its debut win.
Formerly the Generika Lifesavers, Shopinas.com managed a first runner-up finish in last season’s Grand Prix. Though many of his key players have transferred to different teams this season, Coach Ramil De Jesus remains optimistic about his Lady Clickers.
“Malaki ang nawala sa team in terms of ledership noong mga nawalang veterans. Pero kaya pa rin naman ng team na ‘to. Wala namanh hindi nadadaan sa practice,” said Coach De Jesus.
“That’s what you can expect from her [Kim Dy]. Maganda talaga ‘yung laro niya. Hopefully the tournament helps her build confidence,” Coach Ramil replied when asked about Kim Dy’s career performance.
The Scores:
Shopinas.com (3) – Dy 17, Mercado 10, Angustia 9, Cruz 8, Laborte 8, Cheng 6, Mandapat 6, Tan 3, Tiu 2, Eguoa 0, Hingpit 0, General (L)
Mane ‘N Tail (1) – Tubino 14, Praca 12, Genrauli 9, Gustillo 9, Mabbayad 4, Desengano 2, Amad 2, Dawson 2, Argarin 1, Cortel (L), Diaz (L)
