The Generika-Ayala Lifesavers avoided a late meltdown to outlast the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters in five grueling sets, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 15-11, for their first win in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Imus City Sports Center.
The Lifesavers pulled ahead in the first two sets thanks to clutch serving and blocking. The Giga Hitters then revitalized their play in the next two frames, capitalizing on late Generika errors to extend the match to a decider.
Ria Meneses guided the Lifesavers to an early 8-6 lead in the final set after blocking Smart import Sanja Trivunovic. The Giga Hitters then clung to a one-point separation, getting their last gasp after a La-Raine Fabay placement hit that brought them within one, 11-12. From there, Generila import Darlene Ramdin put the icing on the match, scoring twice in Generika’s last three points.
“I just told them not to get pressured. Just follow the instruction and treat this match as if this is just a practice game,” said Generika-Ayala coach Sherwin Meneses shortly after posting his first victory.
“We’re not actually concerned with the game, we’re more concerned with our improvement as a team. I’m glad that we had some improvements and we managed to apply everything we learned in practice,” he added.
Ramdin finished with 26 points, while Symone Hayden managed 21.
Cuban Gyselle Silva again carried most of Smart’s offensive load, tallying 35 markers. Sanja Trivunovic added 26.
The Lifesavers (1-4) take on defending champions F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (2-1) on March 20 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Giga Hitters (0-5) will try to pick up their first win against the Cignal HD Spikers (2-2).
