After struggling in the Reinforced Conference, the Hair Fairy-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers sparked their Premier Volleyball League Open Conference campaign with a hard-fought, four-set win over the Perlas-BanKo Spikers, 25-23, 9-25, 25-20, 25-20, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Jet Spikers had the upper hand for most of the match, as BanKo struggled to get their offense going. The Perlas Spikers missed the services of Kathy Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon, who were both out due to personal reasons.
All went well for Air Force, except for a major drop off in the second set, something head coach Jasper Jimenez rued.
“Para kaming minulto noong second set. Single digit lang ang iniskor namin. Mabuti na lang nakabawi kami at maganda pinakita namin noong huling dalawang set. Importante sa amin na kapag nagkamali, babawi,” Jimenez said.
Opposite hitter Iari Yongco piloted Air Force’s ascent with 15 points, while middle hitter Joemer Tapic added 14.
The Jet Spikers received a noticeable boost from their returning players, Del Palomata, Judy Caballejo, and Jozza Cabalasa, all of whom have returned from military training.
“Maganda na nandiyan sila kahit hindi pa gaano nakalaro kasi nakakapaikot kami ng player. Di gaya noong huling conference na ilan ang nasa bench ko,” added Jimenez.
Air Force next face the Creamline Cool Smashers (1-0) next on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Marami pang kailangan ayusin pero, hopefully, madala namin lahat nang maganda naming ginawa dito sa laban sa Linggo,” closed Jimenez.
Open hitter Amanda Villanueva and veteran middle Sasa Devanadera led BanKo with nine points apiece.
The Scores
Hair Ferry-Air Force (3) – Yongco 15, Tapic 14, Pantino 11, Cases 7, Antipuesto 6, Semana 2, Abanto 0, Andaya 0, Cabalsa 0, Caballejo 0, Palomata 0, Balmaceda (L)
BanKo (1) – Devanadera 9, Villanueva 9, Ahomiro 7, De Jesus 7, Roces 7, Aguilar 4, Acevedo 2, Ancheta 0, Tan (L)
