Generika-Ayala shuts down Smart, moves to first-ever semis

Continuing their unprecedented run in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers took down the Smart Giga Hitters in the quarterfinals, 25-16, 26-24, 25-22, at the Batangas City Coliseum.

After dominating the first set, the Lifesavers showed their resiliency to close the match. Trailing 24-23 in the second frame, the Lifesavers pulled crucial transition hits, before a Grethcel Soltones attack error pushed them a 2-0 sets lead.

Smart again had a sizable 22-20 lead in the third frame after a string of Generika errors. The Lifesavers first went to Patty Orendain, then received an ace from Fiolla Ceballos that capped their 5-0 finishing flourish.

“Alam naman ng team ko kung paano ang igagalaw kapag ganoong dikitan. Tiwala na lang kami sa isa’t isa,” said Generika head coach Sherwin Meneses, who steered the Lifesavers to their first semifinals appearance.

“Happy kami kasi matagal na namin hinintay at trinabaho na makarating dito. Pero determined pa rin kami na sana makalampas pa,” he added.

Middle blockers Mikaela Lopez and Ria Meneses topped the Lifesavers with 16 and 15 points, resepctively, while Patty Orendain contributed 14 markers.

Open hitter Jerrili Malabanan was Smart’s lone double-digit scorer with 13 points.

The Lifesavers take on the winner of the F2 Logistics-Cocolife tiff. If the Cargo Movers advance, they will hold a twice-to-beat advantage. Should Cocolife pull off an upset, Generika will have the incentive.

The Scores

Generika-Ayala (3) – Lopez 16, Meneses 15, Orendain 14, Ceballos 11, Araneta 6, Cerveza 2, Hingpit 2, Lavitoria 0, Pineda 0, Arado (L), General (L)

Smart (0) – Malabanan 13, Urdas 9, Carandang 8, Nabor 3, Soltones 3, Domingo 2, Latigay 1, Cayuna 0, Eroa (L), Pantone (L)