The Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors played their most impressive outing of the tournament, stumping the erstwhile league-leading Bali Pure-National University Water Defenders, 25-19, 8-25, 25-17, 25-21, in the Premier Volleybal League Reinforced Conference at the Batangas City Coliseum.
The Lady Warriors played spectacularly on all fronts, except during a major collapse in the second set. Head coach Jasper Jimenez charged the drop-off to overconfidence.
“Nag-kumpiyansa kami. Talagang bumaba ‘yung laro namin noon tapos hindi kami agad nakabangon,” said Jimenez “Mabuti na lang maganda ‘yung nularo namin noong third set. Tapos, noong dumikit noong fourth set, nakalayo naman kami kasi may mga nag-step up sa team.”
The Lady Warriors were dominant at the net, recording 12 blocks to Bali Pure’s two. The advantage helped offset the 34 errors they surrendered.
Team captain Myla Pablo led Pocari Sweat with 21 points off 14 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, while American import Arielle Love added 18.
Bali Pure’s high-scoring import Janisa Johnson was held to 15 points, her lowest out of the tournament, so far. Middle blocker Alexis Matthews added 14.
Pocari Sweat-Air Force (3-2) take on the Petro Gazz Angels (2-3) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Bali Pure-NU (3-2) face the Creamline Cool Smashers (4-1) on Saturday also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Pablo 21, Love 18, Palmer 13, Palomata 4, Panaga 4, Semana 4, Antipuesto 0, Andaya 0, Racraquin 0, Yongco 0, Tempiatura (L)
Bali Pure (1) – Johnson 15, Matthews 14, Solomon 13, Doria 3, Robles 2, Nisperos 1, Diolan 0, Doromal 0, Lacsina 0, Paran 0, Nierva (L)
