Displaying veteran composure, the Hair Fairy-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers toughed out a thrilling straight-sets win over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 29-27, 25-16, 25-22, for their second win in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Air Force mustered finishing flourishes in the first and third sets to put away their much younger foes. Hits from Joy Cases and Iari Yongco gave the Lady Jet Spikers reprieve in a long deuce in the opening frame.
After claiming the second set convincingly, Hair Fairy took a 16-11 lead in the third frame. The Lady Maroons made one last gasp to extend the match, forcing a 19-all tie. Clutch kills in transition from Yongco and Jocemer Tapic cushioned Air Force down the stretch to close the match.
“Tingin ko siguro nga, marami pang lapses, marami pang kulang especially sa defense namin sa taas. Pero maganda na ang paghugot ko kay Dell Palomata. Malaki ang advantage namin,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.
“Meron sigurong factor yun na may advantage kami doon (experience). Buti nakuha namin ang first set. Malaking bagay sa amin yung first set na yun,” he furthered.
Yongco punched in 15 points to lead a balanced Air Force offense, while Tapic added 12.
The Lady Jet Spikers (2-1) take on the Bali Pure Water Defenders (2-1) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Third-year wingers Tots Carlos and Isa Molde towed the Lady Maroons with 18 and 15 points, respectively.
UP fell to a 0-3 card and will face UAAP rivals Akari-Adamson Lady Falcons (0-2), also on Sunday.
The Scores
Air Force (3) – Yongco 15, Tapic 12, Pantino 11, Cases 10, Antipuesto 4, Palomata 3, Cabalsa 1, Andaya 0, Balmaceda (L)
UP (0) – Carlos 18, Molde 15, Estrañero 5, Bernardo 4, Dorog 2, Gannaban 1, Basarte 0, Dorog 0, Layug 0, Sandoval 0, Alinas (L), Altomea (L)
