The Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters needed to rally back from several late deficits to put away the young Cocolife Asset Managers, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18, and stay in the hunt in Group B of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Smart trailed early in the first set, but got by thanks to veterans Ging Balse-Pabayo and Nene Bautista. Trailing 17-20 in the second frame, the pair again lifted the Giga Hitters, scoring four straight points and guiding their squad in the deuce.
The Giga Hitters showed signs of fatigue in the third frame, allowing a 22-20 lead slip and getting dragged into a fourth set. Head coach Kungfu Reyes pointed at his team’s struggles in closing out tight sets.
“Inconsistent pa kami pagdating sa dulo. Siguro, naghahanap pa din kami nang tamang timpla namin,” said Reyes. “Isa ‘yun sa malaking issue na kailangan talaga namin ma-address. Nandoon naman ‘yung pagkabeterano ng team namin along with ‘yung youth ng mga newcomers.”
Smart got into their groove in the fourth set, finishing off their foes thanks to a run that pushed them to an insurmountable 17-10 lead.
Pabayo finished with 15 points, while Bautista added 13.
Patrica Pena tallied 11 points to lead Cocolife. Justine Tiu managed nine markers.
Smart (2-1) need to win against the Cherrylume-University of the East Lady Warriors (0-2) on Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome to stay in the semis hunt along with Cignal (3-0). Cocolife (1-2) take on the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team in an exhibition match on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Smart (3) – Pabayo 15, Bautista 13, Bunag 8, Viray 8, Pacres 7, Malaluan 6, Francisco 4, Gutierrez 4, Sabas 2, Bicar 1, Gonzales 1, Dizon 0, Agno (L), Nunag (L)
Cocolife (1) – Pena 11, Tiu 9, Tejada 6, Barroga 5, Alkuino 4, Bangad 2, Esperanza 2, Patnongon 2, Tan 2, Tongco 2, Fabay 1, Yongco 1, Lazaro (L)
