A letdown in the third set in what looked like a quick straight set win cost the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors but the defending champs unleashed a marvelous rally when pushed to the brink and overcame the Perlas Spikers 25-17, 25-17, 22-25, 18-25, 15-3 in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Warriors displayed their championship form in the first two sets. They looked in control of the third frame, leading 20-15, until they collapsed and allowed Perlas to extend the match.
According to Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella, it took his squad another set for them to bust their slump.
“Ang laki ng letdown namin noong first set kasi I guess na-down ang mga players kasi dapat amin na ‘yung third set,” said Abella as the Lady Warriors gave up a 2-11 deficit in the fourth frame and were dragged into a decider.
“Ang tagal talagang maka-recover pero buti na lang nakabawi noong fifth set.”
Pocari Sweat buried Perlas in a 10-1 hole in the fifth set and placed the match out of contention.
Middle blocker Jessey De Leon subbed in the fifth set and refreshed the Lady Warriors net defense, finishing with five points. Former PVL Finals MVP Myla Pablo managed a season-high 26 points while still playing on a bad back. Pocari Sweat’s offense off-set their 36 errors.
The Lady Warriors soared atop the standings with a 5-1 record.
Amy Ahomiro finished with 11 points while Kathy Bersila added 10.
The Perlas Spikers fell to an even 3-3 card.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Pablo 26, Panaga 15, Kasilag 15, Nepomuceno 8, Dadang 6, De Leon 5, Sy 3, Alvarez 1, Gohing (L)
Perlas (2) – Ahomiro 11, Bersola 10, Tiamzon 9, Gervacio 8, Roces 5, Carlos 3, Ferrer 2, Devanadera 1, De Jesus (L)
