Limping into the match, the Cocolife Asset Managers got momentary reprieve, zapping the Cherrylume Iron Lady Warriors, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19, right before the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals, Tuesday night at the packed Baliwag Sports Stadium in Bulacan.
Skipper Michele Gumabao led Cocolife with 11 points off 10 attacks and an ace, while Shannen Palec added nine points.
The Asset Managers, who secured just their second win in six matches this season, had lost their previous two matches in the second group phase. Both their wins have come against the University of the East-flavored Cherrylume.
Cherrylume kept the first set competitive, sticking with Cocolife and even taking a late 22-21 lead. A service error, however, sparked their downward spiral. Three straight Cherrylume errors capped by a hit from Cocolife’s Cherrylain Dizon gave the Asset Managers a 1-0 set lead.
From there, all the fight left Cherrylume. The Asset Managers took full advantage of their younger foes’ reception and defensive woes. The Iron Lady Warriors saddled themselves with 36 errors and allowed Cocolife to nail home a 34-19 attacking advantage.
“Kailangan namin manalo para lang mabago ‘yung mindset namin. Sobrang down ang morale coming from our losses. Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy ‘to hanggang sa quarterfinals which is going to be a big challenge for us,” said Cocolife head coach Kungfu Reyes, as his team will take on the second-ranked Cignal HD Spikers in a one-game playoff.
Mary Anne Mendrez topped the winless Cherrylume with 11 markers, while Jana Sta. Maria had seven points.
The Scores:
Cocolife (3) – Gumabao 11, Palec 9, Dizon 4, Tiu 4, Sandoval 4, Cayuna 3, Bunag 2, Villareal 2, Esperanza 1, Tejada 1, Alkuino 1, Francisco 1, Lazaro (L), Dusaran (L).
Cherrylume (0) – Mendrez 11, Sta. Maria 7, Gabarda 5, Abil 4, Rodriguez 3, Manabat 1, Victoria 0, Santos 0, Bendong 0, Lopez 0, Catindig (L), Clavano (L).
