The Hair Fairy-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers showed their veteran resolve in bagging the third seed in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference and stomping on the Akari-Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-22, 25-16, 25-21 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After coming in last in the Reinforced Conference, the Lady Jet Spikers found their strength in their All-Filipino core this conference.
“Gusto namin patunayan, siyempre, na kaya namin kapag ganito ang labanan. Masaya kami na nakapasok kami sa semis, hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.
Air Force, however, did not receive an easy task in the Lady Falcons. Adamson kept each set close, but Air Force always had a response. Trailing 19-20, Air Force rallied behind their solid defense to take the first set. He Lady Falcons then knotted the third set at 19, before Air Force used their veteran smarts to sprint past their younger foes.
“Sabi ko sa kanila na huwag lang sila mawalan ng kumpiyansa. Tuloy lang nila ‘yung tiwala nila sa sarili nila,” Jimenez added.
Opposite hitter Iari Yongco led the Lady Jet Spikers with 14 points off nine attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Jocemer Tapic and Joy Cases each added 10 markers.
The Lady Falcons, who finished their Open Conference campaign with a 1-6 win-loss card, had captain Jema Galanza top the scoresheet with 14 points. Rizza Cruz and Eli Soyud provided six points, apiece.
The Scores
Hair Fairy-Air Force (3) – Yongco 14, Cases 10, Tapic 10, Pantino 8, Palomata 7, Semana 4, Antipuesto 2, Caballejo 1, Crisostomo (L)
Akari-Adamson (0) – Galanza 14, Cruz 6, Soyud 6, Perez 4, Permentilla 4, Roque 4, Romero 2, Joaquin 1, Flora 0, Pinar 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
