In what became the theme for the day, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors secured a seat to the Finals with a dominant showing in Game Three of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semis, thwarting the Power Smashers, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena.
The Lady Warriors finally found a way around the Power Smashers’ stellar defense and serving. American import Michelle Strizak and former Finals MVP Myla Pablo took turns bombing the Power Smashers. Strizak tallied 19 points, while Pablo added 17 to bolster the Pocari Sweat offense.
“We needed to show composure today and just have fun during the match. Nawala sa amin ‘yun the last game. Parang na-pressure kami noong lumamang kami ng dalawang set last game. We made sure this time na we would be more relaxed and just play our game,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella.
After taking the second set, the Lady Warriors were in cruise control in the pivotal third frame, leading the whole way. Pablo ended the match with back-to-back powerful hits.
“We need more of this in the Finals. We just need to be more consistent and we should be alright,” added Abella.
The Lady Warriors move to their third straight Finals appearance in the three conferences they have been in the league. They face the Bali Pure Water Defenders in the best-of-three Finals, which begins on Saturday.
Thai import Hyapa Amporn towed the Power Smashers with 15 points while Kannika Thipachot added 11.
The Power Smashers take on the Creamline Cool Smashers in the battle for third, which also begins on Saturday.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Strizak 19, Pablo 17, Nepomuceno 6, Dadang 4, De Leon 3, Sy 3, Panaga 2, Gohing (L).
Power Smashers (0) – Amporn 15, Thipachot 11, Arocha 5, Marzan 4, Prado 3, Pacres 2, Guillema 0, Sta. Rita 0, Villegas 0, Galang (L).
