The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors did not need the tension of a five-setter to secure a seat in the 2017 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals, sweeping the Perlas Lady Spikers, 25-23, 25-15, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Coming off four straight five-set matches, Pocari Sweat was determined to quell the in-form Perlas Spikers. The Lady Warriors broke away from constant deadlocks in the first set thanks to a Desiree Dadang quick hit and a Perlas service error. A 5-0 run in the following frame gave Pocari Sweat an 18-13 lead after they had trailed by two for most of the set. The Lady Warriors’ constant offensive pressure supported by solid reception made it hard for Perlas to come back.
Pocari’s weakest set in the past, the third, turned out to be their best showing, allowing just four errors en route to a comfortable win.
“Siyempre, you learn a lot talaga about a team’s character pero mas okay talaga na we finally won a straight sets game. I guess maganda gising ng team namin and ayaw na talaga nila na humaba ‘yung laro,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella.
American import Michelle Strizak led the Lady Warriors with 17 points while Myla Pablo added 12.
The Lady Warriors will face the Power Smashers on Saturday, kicking off their best-of-three semis series.
Brazilan Rupia Inck managed 14 points for Perlas but was their only consistent scorer.
Perlas bow out of the quarters with a 1-2 slate.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Strizak 17, Nepomoceno 12, Pablo 8, Panaga 5, Sy 5, Dadang 4, Espelita 0, Kasilag 0, Gohing (L)
Perlas (0) – Inck 14, Gervacio 7, Ahomiro 4, Tiamzon 4, Bersola 3, Hashimoto 1, Villanueva 1, De Jesus (L)
