The Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers went back to their winning ways after doing easy work of winless Philippine Coast Guard Lady Dolphins in three sets, 25-11, 25-19, and 25-8, in the 13th Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Everyone except Yna Papa scored for Air Force in tonight’s victory, which snaps their two-game skid. Mary Ann Pantino starred for Air Force with 10 points off 8 attacks. Middle blocker Dell Palomata added eight, while Jennifer Manzano and Judy Caballejo each had six. Wendy Semana produced 17 excellent sets in the sweep.
The Lady Jet Spikers’ offense steamrolled early in the first frame, with their cross-court hits serving as a vital factor in posting a wide 16-6 lead midway. Coast Guard was able to score due to a few lucky hits and Air Force’s errors, but could not mount a comeback as Air Force made a 9-5 spurt led by Pantino and Joy Cases to dominate and own the first set, 25-11.
From a dismal opener, Coast Guard tried to fight back hard in the following set. Down by as much as seven, 18-11, Hazel Mea and Grenlen Malapit joined hands to trim the gap and bring the Lady Dolphins closer, 19-16. However, Coast Guard gassed out late, as Angel Antipuesto and Yongco provided much-needed points via check balls to propel Air Force to a 2-0 set lead, 25-19.
With their rhythm on both ends clicking perfectly, Air Force took total domination over Coast Guard in the third and final set. With vicious quick attacks and cross-court hits provided by Palomata and Manzano, the Lady Dolphins went reeling to the ground, only scoring eight all through out the set that made it easier for Air Force to win the set, 25-8, and go back to the win column.
In tonight’s win that sent them to a 2-2 slate, all players from the roster were fielded and tasted action on the court. According to PAF head coach Jasper Jimenez, he did such to improve his team’s confidence.
“Ginamit ko sila lahat para naman tumaas yung kumpiyansa,” said Jimenez post-game.
Now that Air Force has regained their bearings, Jimenez and the all-Filipino squad aims to sweep their next two assignments.
“Kailangan namain ma-sweep yung dalawa [UP and BOC] para magka-lockout sa standings,” he claimed.
Nobody from the Coast Guard lineup scored in double figures in tonight’s loss, which is their fifth straight. Malapit led the Lady Dolphins with five markers.
Air Force (2-2) will face the UP Lady Maroons next on October 24, Monday, at 6 PM. Meanwhile, Coast Guard (0-5) will have Bureau of Customs as their next opponents next Wednesday, October 26, at 4 PM.
The Scores:
Air Force (3) – Pantino 10, Palomata 8, Manzano 6, Caballejo 6, Yongco 5, Cases 5, Antipuesto 5, Tapic 4, Cabalsa 4, Semana 1, Abanto 1, Papa 0, Crisostomo L.
Coast Guard (0) – Malapit 5, Dawson 4, Mea 3, Pesebre 2, Necesito 1, Maderazo 1, Cecilio 0, Caraan 0, Castor 0, Eniong 0, Queruero L, Tabion L.
