One of the few teams with an All-Filipino lineup in a conference that allows imports, the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers proved that Pinoys can stand toe-to-toe with foreign players after shooting down the heavily-favored Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors in five sets, 25-20, 22-25, 25-7, 22-25, 15-12, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Ignoring clear height and power disadvantages, Air Force used gritty defense and fast plays to keep the sluggish Lady Warriors on their toes. The Jet Spikers broke away from an 18-all tie in the first set after Pocari errors and plays from the middle. The Lady Warriors had burned through all their timeouts, but still could not stop their skid, managing just two points before Air Force closed the set.
Steadying their reception and serving strategically, the Lady Warriors sprinted to a 21-12 lead in the second set. But Air Force grabbed momentum late, pulling points from Judy Caballejo’s serving to come within two, 20-22. Pocari managed to close the set by trading sideouts, but their fatigue showed in the following set, as they fumbled receptions and routine plays to let Air Force rally to an easy 25-8 set win.
Backs against the wall, the Open Conference champs pulled out a tremendous performance in the fourth set, determinedly coming back from a 14-16 deficit to pull ahead 22-20 and never look back.
Pocari looked to control the match after taking an 11-8 advantage in the decider. Air Force, however, mustered an epic final push through Wendy Semana’s loaded serving. The Jet Spikers torched the the Lady Warriors in the next six points, trading serve errors to cap the match.
“Sobrang motivated lang talaga ng mga bata na makabawi sa talo namin noong unang araw bukod pa sa may imports ang kalaban. Siguro nadaan lang namin sa service at determinasyon,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.
The Jet Spikers notched a balanced scoresheet, with May Ann Pantino and Jocemer Tapic each providing 17 points, team captain Judy Caballejo tallied 14, while Joy Cases added 13.
The Jet Spikers rained 15 aces on Pocari, who had just five to counter. Air Force’s superior reception also resulted in more attacks, 54-45.
Pocari import Brea Mackie led the Lady Warriors with 17 points, while Andrea Kacsits and Michele Gumabao each has 11 markers.
Air Force (1-1) will play the Laoag Power Smashers (1-0) on October 12, Wednesday, 4 pm. Pocari (0-1) takes on Coast Guard (0-1) on Monday, October 10. Both matches will be at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
Air Force (3) – Pantino 17, Tapic 17, Caballejo 14, Cases 13, Antiipuesto 6, Semana 4, Abanto 0, Crisostomo (L), Balmaceda (L)
Pocari Sweat (2) – Mackie 17, Gumabao 11, Kacsits 11, Pablo 9, Alkuino 5, Tolenada 4, Kasilag 2, Sy 0, Enclona (L), Gohing (L)
