The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors trumped their tradition of slow starts after earning a 2-0 record to start the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
The defending champions needed a 23-point outburst from ace hitter Myla Pablo to send the BanKo-Perlas Spikers to their second straight loss, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 27-25, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
After dropping a tight second set, Pocari Sweat rebounded with a stellar third-set effort that saw them break away from a 12-all tie and take a 19-12 advantage. Leading 22-20 in the fourth set, Pocari Sweat collapsed and allowed Perlas to get first crack at set point, 24-23, before locking down the Perlas offense and drawing errors that vaulted them to the win.
“Medyo naging kampante kami sa opensa namin. Kinailangan namin mag-sipag sa depensa namin para maka-angat sa kalaban. Ayaw namin makuha ‘yung problema namin noong last conference na natalo kami ng marami agad,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Sgt. Rico De Guzman.
Former Lady Bulldog Kai Nepomuceno added 14 points, while Jeanette Panaga managed 13 to pace the Lady Warriors.
Pocari Sweat will try to remain unbeaten on Saturday against the Power Smashers (0-1).
Former Lady Eagle Ella De Jesus tallied 14 points, while PVL veteran Sue Roces managed 12 for Perlas.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Pablo 23, Nepomuceno 14, Panaga 13, Kasilag 11, Dadang 5, De Leon 3, Cayetano 0, Paran 0, Serafica 0, Gohing (L)
BanKo (1) – De Jesus 14, Roces 12, Villanueva 11, Ahomiro 9, Tajima 5, Aguilar 1, Ferrer 1, Tiamzon 1, Ancheta 0, Tan G. (L)
