Joanne Bunag and Michele Gumabao of the Cocolife Asset Managers escaped the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in a five-set thriller, 25-18, 25-22, 17-25, 19-25, 15-10, Tuesday evening in the Imus City Sports Complex in Cavite City.
Gumabao led the charts with 27 points, 22 coming from attacks. She was supported by veteran Bunag with 17 markers including the crucial finishes in the final set.
The Asset Managers led early by two sets as Angelica Cayuna and Gumabao’s connection did most of the damage. Cayuna tallied 19 excellent sets. However, Generika-Ayala managed to extend the match to five sets, as Fiola Ceballos continued to be consistent with her attacks.
Ceballos finished with 15 points, while Angeli Araneta has 12.
“Talagang naglaro si Generika ng maayos ng 3 and 4, nagkataon lang na nauna kami. Maganda unang gising namin,” Coach Kungfu Reyes said, “Sinasamantala lang namin yung na-o-off guard sila, dun kami bumabanat.”
Come the decisive set, it was initially a seesaw battle, but Cocolife managed to earn a lead of four, 9-5. Their errors held them back but 35-year-old veteran Joanne Bunag, with her composure and smarts, outwitted Generika to finish the match with an emphatic attack at 15-10.
Cocolife will play on Saturday, July 8, in Lipa City for the battle for fifth, which is also their last match for this tournament. With their win today, Coach Kungfu is more motivated to finish stronger on Saturday.
“Di na lang gawin sa team, sa management, or sa coaches, kahit gawin na nila para sa pride nila. Yun ang gusto namin panghawakan nila para maging wake up call sa kanila na hindi lang ganun ang kaya nilang gawin. Magandang motivation ‘to para sa amin na tinalo namin ang Generika,” Reyes expressed. – By: Danine Cruz
The Scores:
Cocolife (3) – Gumabao 27, Bunag 17, Palec 12, Tiu 11, Cayuna 5, Francisco 4, Dizon 1, Esperanza 0, Sandoval 0, Tejada 0, Villareal 0, Dusaran (L), Lazaro (L).
Generika-Ayala (2) – Ceballos 15, Araneta 12, Lopez 11, Orendain 9, Casugod 6, Buitre 5, Legacion 6, Cortez 1, Masangkay 0, Cerveza 0, Adorador 0, Arado (L), General (L).
