The Air Force Jet Spikers drew closer to securing a semifinals spot after squashing the dazed University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 27-25, 25-19, 25-17 in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Air Force relinquished an early four-point lead in the first set and allowed UP to a 24-21 lead. But the Jet Spikers managed to take the following three points thanks to quick thinking during long rallies, to tie the set at 24. Needing clutch scorers, Air Force found them in veterans Judy Caballejo and Jocemer Tapic, who notched the consecutive attacks needed to take the set.
The next sets saw a total collapse from the Lady Maroons. Air Force took advantage of UP’s poor passing in the second set and grabbed a 17-9 lead. UP managed to bring the deficit down to two, 18-16, but, after a timeout, Air Force wrested control away through the tremendous play of Dell Palomata.
UP again succumbed to an early 9-4 hole before rallying back to come within one, 15-14, in the third set. Again, the veteran Jet Spikers regained momentum and rattled off one last push behind solid defense. Air Force took an insurmountable 22-16 lead, sealing their third win in a row.
“Talagang pinpraktis namin yun,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez about his team’s composure when UP rallied back. “Gusto mo lang makita sa kanila na mageexecute sila tapos di sila susuko.”
Jocemer Tapic led all scorers, with 15 points with three coming from blocks and four from aces. Judy Caballejo and Dell Palomata added 14 and 10 markers respectively.
Fifth year middle hitter Kathy Bersola and sophomore Isa Molde each had seven points for the Lady Maroons.
Air Force (3-0) will try to clinch the Final Four berth on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre when they face the Laoag Power Smashers (1-2). UP (0-2) will go for their first win on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre when they take on the Baguio Summer Spikers (0-2).
The Scores:
Air Force (3) – Tapic 15, Caballejo 14, Palomata 10, Cases 8, Pantino 6, Semana 1, Abanto 0, Yongco 0, Manzano 0, Papa 0, Balmaceda (L), Crisostomo (L)
UP (0) – Bersola 7, Molde 7, Carlos 6, Buitre 4, Tiamzon 4, Dorog 3, Gannaban 2, Basarte 2, Cailing 0, Layug 0, Estrañero (L), Gaiser (L)
