The PayMaya High Flyers made a statement, sweeping defending champions Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22, to remain unbeaten in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference in Tuguegarao City.
Coming off a straight-sets win on opening day, PayMaya seized momentum early and often. The High Flyers were much more poised in the hot playing venue, limiting their errors and miscues.
The High-Flyers took a 16-11 lead in the first set, before coming alive in the second frame to grab a 19-14 cushion. Down 15-16, PayMaya whipped out a 4-0 run to retake the lead and never look back.
“Hindi naman naging sobrang laking adjustment ‘yung init sa amin,” said PayMaya head coach Roger Gorayeb, lauding his squad’s efforts.
“Hindi rin naman malamig ‘yung pinagpa-praktisan namin. Maganda ‘yung ginalaw ng team. Kumpara doon sa first game namin, mas kaunti ‘yung mistakes, ‘yung errors,” the decorated head coach pointed out. “‘Yung imports naman very determined lang talaga kasi alam din nila na they could play better than last time tapos defending champions nga ‘yung kalaban namin.”
American import Tess Rountree led the High Flyers with 18 points, while FEU standout Jerrili Malabanan added nine.
Myla Pablo topped Pocari Sweat with 12 markers.
The High Flyers (2-0) brace for a second straight game in Tuguegarao tomorrow when they face the Creamline Cool Smashers (1-0). The Lady Warriors (0-1) take on the BanKo Perlas Spikers (0-0) also tomorrow.
The Scores
PayMaya (3) – Rountree 27, Malabanan 9, Sullivan 8, Urdas 5, Domingo 3, Nabor 0, Singh 0, Soltones 0, Sta. Rita 0, Pantone (L)
Pocari Sweat-Air Force (0) – Pablo 12, Palmer 9, Panaga 9, Love 6, Palomata 3, Yongco 1, Andaya 0, Antipuesto 0, Racraquin 0, Semana 0, Tempiatura (L)
