Coming off a loss against Air Force last week, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors bounced back in a dominant fashion after dismantling the Philippine Coast Guard Lady Warriors in a sweep, 25-17, 25-9, 25-16, to post their first W in the 13th Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference on Monday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Three Lady Warriors scored in double figures in tonight’s victory. Michele Gumabao led all scorers with 14 points off 9 attacks. Imports Andrea Kacsits and Breanna Mackie each had 10. Gyzel Sy made 16 excellent sets.
From a 0-6 start in the opening set, the Lady Warriors slowly fought their way back into the match to take the lead, 16-12. From there, Pocari Sweat built momentum and weathered Coast Guard’s attacks to complete the come-from-behind finish, 25-17.
Pocari exposed all of Coast Guard’s weaknesses in the next frame. From a 17-9 cushion, the Lady Warriors blew by, scoring eight straight points — mostly off cross-court attacks produced from either wing — to grab a 2-0 lead, 25-9.
Despite another slow start that made it a tight affair, Pocari managed to regroup and regain their bearings. Holding a slim 16-13 lead midway, Pocari held Coast Guard to just three points down the stretch and coasted to a 25-16 set win to barge into the win column.
“Sluggish start,” was Pocari head coach Rommel Abella’s assessment of tonight’s win. “Good thing the ladies were able to pull together at the end.”
Abella also rued the team’s chemistry in tonight’s win, saying that their jelling as a unit is a developing process.
“I guess yung jelling as a team namin is not yet there. Pero good thing sa game namin kanina, nakita namin na we’re slowly getting there,” Abella explained.
Grenlen Malapit led the Lady Dolphins with just seven points.
Pocari Sweat (1-1) will look to post another win against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons this Saturday at 4 PM. Coast Guard (0-4), on the other hand, will try to post their first win versus Air Force on October 19, Wednesday, also at 4 PM.
The Scores:
Pocari Sweat (3) – Gumabao 14, Kacsits 10, Mackie 10, Pablo 8, Kasilag 4, Sy 4, Tolenada 3, Alkuino 3, Alvarez 2, Nepomuceno 1, Enclona L, Gohing L.
Coast Guard (0) – Malapit 7, Dawson 5, Maderazo 4, Mea 3, Caraan 1, Castor 1, Cecilio 0, Necesito 0, Pesebre 0, Eniong 0, Garcia 0, Querijero L, Tabion L.
