The Laoag Power Smashers made all the big plays down the stretch to notch a hard-earned four-set win over the Air Force Jet Spikers, 20-25, 26-24, 25-21, 26-24 in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
The Power Smashers came into the match without a complete lineup, as Grethcel Soltones arrived late due to academic commitments.
“Akala ko nga di na siya (Soltones) aabot. Nag-defense kasi ng thesis kanina kaya hinanda ko na sila na maglaro ng kulang kami,” said Laoag head coach Nes Pamilar.
The Power Smashers started the match sluggishly, surrendering poor receptions which led to opportunities for the Jet Spikers. Netting points from all their spikers, Air Force broke away with a 4-0 run that gave them a 22-18 lead.
Laoag turned their fortunes around in the second set with the arrival of the Open Conference MVP Soltones. Air Force’s tough defense and quick feet allowed them to keep the set close throughout, eventually forcing a deuce. A bad service error followed by a Joecemer Tapic attack error subdued the Jet Spikers and allowed Laoag to tie, one set all.
Late in the third frame, Soltones came alive to lift Laoag out of another deadlock. The two-time NCAA MVP scored thrice in a 5-0 run that pulled Laoag to a 24-20 lead and a 2-1 sets lead. The fourth set was another back-and-forth affair, as the Power Smashers saw a five-point lead dissipate and were forced into a 22-all deadlock. Laoag ended up caught in another deuce, getting bailed out by timely defensive plays from Jorelle Singh and hits from Soltones.
“Parang nagkakahiyaan pa rin ‘yung mga players ko pero makikita mo naman kanina na nadedevelop na ‘yung chemistry nila. Malaking bagay na nakakuha kami ng panalo sa beteranong team tulad ng Air Force,” Pamilar added.
Soltones finished with 13 points to lead a balanced Laoag attack. Former Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraw Wyneth Eulalio added 10, while Aiko Urdas and Chi Saet each had nine markers.
Although Air Force controlled the net with eight block kills to Laoag’s two, the Power Smashers countered with a 14-7 ace tally.
Air Force middle hitter Jocemer Tapic notched a game-high 18 points, while Joy Cases provided 10 markers.
Laoag (2-1) next face the struggling University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (1-2) at 6 pm, while Air Force (1-2) take on the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders (0-1) at 4 pm on Monday at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
Laoag (3) – Soltones 13, Eulalio 10, Saet 9, Urdas 9, Galanza 7, Villegas 7, Singh 6, Prado 2, Sta. Rita 1, Guillema 0, Magsumbol 0, Galang (L)
Air Force (1) – Tapic 18, Cases 10, Palomata 9, Pantino 7, Caballejo 6, Yongco 4, Manzano 3, Semana 3, Papa 0, Abanto 0, Balmaceda (L), Crisostomo (L)
