On the back of 13 thunderous block kills, the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors fended off the Adamson-Akari Lady Falcons in straight sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, for their third straight win in the PVL Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Pocari Sweat-Air Force middle blockers proved pivotal in overwhelming their younger foes.
Leading 16-10 in the second set, the Lady Falcons charged back thanks to hitting from Chiara Permwntilla and Bern Flora. Tied at 20, the Lady Warriors made big plays down the stretch anchored on Jeanette Panaga’s blocking. The former NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player pulled off a single block to give the Lady Warriors a decisive 24-21 lead, setting up Trisha Genesis’ set-ending serve error.
Adamson was quickly deflated in the third set as Del Palomata stifled their offense. Leading 9-0, the Lady Warriors cruised to the win.
Palomata and Panaga each tallied five blocks, to the delight of Pocari Sweat head coach Jasper Jimenez.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga middle blocker ko na ganoon ang kailangan namin sa kanila. Malalaki sila eh and sila talaga ang advantage namin kontra sa mga kalaban namin dito,” said Jimenez.
Two-time MVP Myla Pablo continued her terrific all-around play, scoring 13 points with 13 digs. Opposite hitter Iari Yongco added 12 markers.
The Lady Warriors (3-1) take a long break before facing Creamline (0-1) on October 16 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Permentilla and Genesis led Adamson with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Adamson (0-2) tries to end their skid against BanKo (2-0) on Saturday at the same venue.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat-Air Force (3) – Pablo 13, Yongco 12, Palomata 9, Panaga 9, Pantino 4, Kasilag 3, Semana 3, Cabalsa 1, Cases 1, Balmaceda (L), Tempiatura (L)
Adamson-Akari (0) – Permentilla 12, Flora 11, Pinar 5, Genesis 4, Macaslang 3, Roque 3, Igao 2, Uy 1, Ponce (L)
