The Power Smashers closed their Premier Volleball League first round campaign with a convincing straight-sets win over the struggling Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
“Makikita naman sa team na mas nabubuo na sila as a team. ‘Yun lang din naman talaga ang hinahanap ko sa kanila. ‘Yung skills at talent meron na kami. Kapag nag-improve pa ang chemistry namin, mas malayo pa ang mararating namin,” said Power Smashers head coach Nes Pamilar, who has led his squad to a 3-2 record.
The Power Smashers had to weather Air Force’s strong floor defense to start the match. Thanks to late hits from Regine Arocha, the Power Smashers escaped the first set. From there, Dimdim Pacres and Jovielyn Prado took turns teeing off on the Jet Spikers’ blockers to easily take the match.
The Power Smashers’ Arellano trio of Jovielyn Prado, Regine Arocha, and Andrea Marzan scored a combined for 36 points, while Pacres added 12 points.
After going 1-2 in their first three outings, the Power Smashers have won two straight matches, although the league still has not allowed the teams’ imports to play.
May Ann Patino led Air Force with 16 points, while Iari Yongco added 12.
The Lady Jet Spikers dropped to 1-4.
The Scores
Power Smashers (3) – Prado 16, Pacres 12, Arocha 10, Marzan 10, Villegas 3, Bicar 2, Sta. Rita 2, Kim 1, Guillema 0, Simborio 0, Galang (L), Gillego (L)
Air Force (0) – Pantino 16, Yongco 12, Cases 9, Antipuesto 7, Tapic 3, Semana 1, Balmaceda (L)