Defending Open Conference champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors became the only team to win in straight sets this weekend, locking down the Akari-Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-23, 25-14, 25-19, Sunday night at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
A spurt of bad passes greeted Pocari Sweat to open the match, leading to an 8-5 Adamson lead. The Lady Falcons maintained their edge until Pocari Sweat built their wall. Trailing 18-20, the Lady Warriors shut down the Adamson offense with two-time PVL Finals MVP Myla Pablo scoring five times in Pocari 6-0 run that handed them the advantage, 24-20. Back-to-back Pocari Sweat errors followed by a Chiara Permentilla hit almost sent the set to a deuce. But Pablo picked off the last point, slamming a hit through two Lady Falcons.
The three-time PVL champs then opened the flood gates in the second set. Back-to-back combination play conversions created a 14-5 Pocari Sweat cushion. Leading 23-10, the Lady Warriors sat six of their seven rotation players. The Lady Falcons negotiated a late run, but Pocari Sweat picked up the 2-0 lead with Fille Cainglet-Cayetano and Jeanette Panaga capping the second frame.
The third set opened with neither taking control. Locked in an 18-all deadlock, the Lady Warriors received a finishing push from a torrent of Adamson errors. The Lady Falcons scored just one more point as they piled up consecutive miscues to end the match.
“Maganda ang nilaro namin pero hindi pa rin ako satisfied. Marami kaming tapos sa first ball namin kanina. Doon din kami nagtatagal sa ensayo – kailangan namin ayusin ‘yung first ball namin talaga,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Sgt. Rico De Guzman.
Former National U Lady Bulldogs Myla Pablo and Kai Nepomuceno powered in 17 and 14 points, respectively.
The Lady Warriors remained in second place with a 4-1 slate. They face the Air Force Jet Spikers (4-1) on Wednesday.
Skipper Jema Galanza was Adamson’s only double-digit scorer with 11 markers. She also provided a defensive boost with 14 digs and 11 receptions.
Adamson, who played without starting setter Louie Romero, got 30 points off Pocari Sweat errors while only producing 26 off their own scoring skills.
The Lady Falcons scratched off their fourth loss in five games. They take on slumping Bali Pure Water Defenders (2-3) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Pablo 17, Nepomuceno 14, Dadang 6, Kasilag 6, Panaga 6, Sy 2, Cayetano 1, De Leon 1, Paran 1, Doromal 0, Serafica 0, Gohing (L)
Akari-Adamson (0) – Galanza 11, Perez 6, Soyud 4, Permentilla 3, Joaquin 2, Caole 0, Flora 0, Pinar 0, Roque 0, Ponce (L), Tempiatura (L)
