The plucky Hair Fairy-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers were consistently fantastic in their surprising straight-sets win over defending champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21, in Game One of their best-of-three PVL Open semifinals series at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
At each point in the match, the Lady Jet Spikers had control. They stifled Pocari Sweat’s offense through their strong serving and defense, countering with solid attacks of their own.
Least surprised by Air Force’s effort was head coach Jasper Jimenez, who stressed his team’s desire to prove themselves this conference.
“Siguro lahat talaga gumana – magmula sa depensa at serving namin. Hindi nagbigay ng pagkakataon ‘yung mga players namin, talagang ginusto nilang tapusin agad,” Jimenez shared.
“Hindi talaga naging maganda para sa amin ‘yung mga performance namin sa mga last conferences. Gusto talaga naming bumawi ngayon,” declared the ranked member of the Philippine Air Force.
Veteran open hitter May Ann Pantino led Air Force with 12 points, while middle blocker Jocemer Tapic added 11.
In eight matches this conference, the Lady Jet Spikers recorded their first three-set win. Air Force’s dominance was clear in their spike tally, powering in 41 to Pocari Sweat’s 28.
Myla Pablo topped the Lady Warriors with 14 points but was the only one in double-digits.
Air Force can dethrone Pocari Sweat, who have been in every PVL Finals since joining the league last season, with a win tomorrow.
The Scores
Air Force (3) – Pantino 12, Tapic 11, Palomata 9, Yongco 8, Cases 6, Semana 3, Abanto 0, Caballejo 0, Balmaceda (L)
Pocari Sweat (0) – Pablo 14, Dadang 6, Kasilag 4, De Leon 3, Guino-o 3, Cainglet 2, Panaga 2, Paran 2, Sy 2, Nepomuceno 0, Serafica 0, Gohing (L)
