After three tight losses, the Power Smashers have solved their fifth set woes and came away with their first win in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the expense of the BanKo-Perlas Spikers, 25-22, 16-25, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Like in their first outings, the Power Smashers struggled to stay consistent throughout the match, resulting in another blown 2-1 set lead. Dragged to a fifth set, the Power Smashers gained the edge after conversions from Jovielyn Prado and Regine Arocha boosted them to a 12-10 lead. The Power Smashers then completed their escape, as Perlas surrendered three consecutive attack errors to end the match.
“So nakita ko kanina na kailangan pa rin may mag-step up sa amin as a leader. Kanina maganda ang pinakia ni Jovielyn (Prado), naging vocal siya. Kailangan namin ‘yun maging mas consistent,” said Power Smashers head coach Nes Pamilar.
Last NCAA Season’s Finals MVP Prado tallied 22 points, while her Arellano teammate Regine Arocha added 18.
University of the Philippines standout Nicole Tiamzon dropped 22 points, while Ella De Jesus added 20 for the Perlas-BanKo Spikers.
The Power Smashers look to keep up their winning ways when they face the league-leading Creamline Cool Smashers (4-0) on July 19 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Perlas (1-3) face the UP Lady Maroons (0-3) also on July 19.
The Scores
Power Smashers (3) – Prado 22, Arocha 18, Pacres 7, Marzan 6, Esguerra 4, Eulalio 3, Guillema 2, Tan 2, Villegas 2, Bicar 1, Kim 0, Sta. Rita 0, Galang (L), Gillego (L)
BanKo-Perlas (2) – Tiamzon 22, De Jesus 20, Roces 15, Bersola 13, Ahomiro 8, Ferrer 3, Aguilar 1, Ancheta 0, Aceveado 0, Villanueva 0, Tan G. (L)
