The Iriga City Oragons rose from a four-game losing slumber after sweeping the Victoria Sports-University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20, in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Oragons took full advantage of their literally biggest advantage — Tamara Kmezic. The six-foot-eight Serbian import towered over her collegiate counterparts and went virtually uncontested in scoring a game-high 20 points off 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Kmezic was scorching to start the match, leading Iriga City to a 16-10 lead in the first set and never looking back. Setter Shyrra Cabriana then bombed the Tigresses with her signature float serve that powered a 6-0 run and gave the Oragons the lead in the second set for good, 19-14.
The Tigresses threatened to force a fourth set, challenging the Oragons’ receives. Trailing 17-18, Iriga City went on one last push, going to Kmezic for four of their last eight points to seal the win.
“Sabi ko sa kanila importante manalo tayo ngayon para sa ranking para ‘di naman namin makalaban yung number one kasi baka gulpihin kami. Kawawa kami,” said Iriga City head coach Parley Tupas.
The Oragons have won their first game after their season-opener victory against Sta. Lucia last month. They next face the Petron Blaze Spikers (5-1) on Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
Open hitter Carla Sandoval topped the Tigresses with 14 points. while opposite hitter Dimdim Pacres added 11. The Tigresses have yet to win a match in six outings.
The Scores
Iriga City (3) – Kmezic 20, Lana 9, Miyagawa 7, Sta. Rita 5, Villegas 5, Cabriana 4, Yoshioka (L)
Victoria Sports-UST (0) – Sandoval 14, Pacres 11, Francisco 6, Palec 6, Inamasu 5, Bicar 2, Bangad 0, Delos Reyes 0, Agno (L), Rivera (L)
