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Air Force continues mastery over PLDT to sweep QF


By: Ohmer Bautista

In a battle between the two undefeated teams in the quarterfinals, the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers snagged the top spot at the expense of PLDT Home Fibr Fast Hitters, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, 25-23, in the Philippine Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Quarterfinals at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

“Both team is capable kung sino manalo. It’s a matter kung sino yung buenas at kung sino eager manalo,” Air Force head coach Rhovyl Verayo said. “Napabor sa’min, nanalo kami kaya masaya kami.”

Taking a 2-1 set lead, the Jet Spikers started the fourth set strong, mounting a four point lead, 16-12. However, PLDT mustered a 5-2 spurt to trim the deficit down to a solitary point, 17-18, urging coach Verayo to sue for time. After the timeout, the momentum shifted back to Air Force.

“Relax lang,” he reminded. “Dahan-dahan tayo, tayo pa naman lamang, makukuha rin natin yan. Kung ano ginawa natin ng practice, lalo pa ‘to, sa end game na, kailangan ma-overcome natin yung mga lapses natin.”

Air Force then went back to their aggressive ways, but PLDT showed grit, tying things up, 23-all. However, a Ranran Abdilla off-the-block hit and a two-man-block iced the game for good.

Bryan Bagunas topbilled with 26 points built on 22 spikes, 3 blocks, and an ace. Abdilla and Ismail Fauzi added 15 and 12 markers respectively.

PLDT skipper John Vic De Guzman scored 24 points in a losing effort.

Though they came out on top, coach Verayo also noted on the aspects that they have to improve on as their season progresses.

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“Depensa sa likod at more on receive talaga. Minsan pag nawawala kami ng receive, dun nagkagulo gulo na,” said Verayo.

With the win, Air Force improve to 3-0, enough to face the second seed in the conference, Vice Co., in the semifinals. On the other hand, PLDT sport a 2-1 win-lose card. They will take on sister team Cignal.


The Scores:

PAF (3) – Bagunas 26, Abdilla 15, Ismail 12, Malabanan 8, Fuentes 6, Lopez 0, Tolentino 0, De Ocampo 0, Mangaring (L).

PLDT (1) – De Guzman 24, Pecana 17, Sumagaysay 6, Alfafara 6, Umandal 5, Orian 1, Villegas 1, Franco 1, Vecina 0, Dela Vega 0, Melgar (L), Longavela (L).

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