The Bureau of Customs Transformers had to sweat to earn a positive finish to their elimination round campaign, getting a mean challenge from the Air Force Jet Spikers before going home with a four-set win, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21, in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
Each set was tied until late when one team would manage to break away. Jocemer Tapic and Joy Cases scored Air Force’s set-winning points the opening frame, buoying the Jet Spikers from a 23-all deadlock. Alyssa Valdez and Som Kuthaisong then exploded late in the second frame to erase a 20-all tie and take their first set.
Air Force then nearly had the third frame, racing to a 23-21 lead after two Customs errors. Kuthaisong then converted a down-the-line smash, before giving Air Force problems with her serve. The Thai import led BOC’s 4-0 blitz which was capped by a Pau Soriano block.
Customs then took control of the fourth set early, pulling away at 11-all to grab a 21-16 lead thanks to Valdez and Kuthaisong. Air Force tried one last rally, trimming the deficit down to as low as two, 21-19. But the Jet Spikers gave away errors which put the set out of doubt.
“Medyo maganda na din na nabigyan kami ng challenge ngayon kasi kailangan namin iangat ‘yung laro namin ngayong papasok sa semis,” said Transformers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
The 19-year-old Kuthaisong tallied 21 points, while Valdez added 15.
Four Jet Spikers scored in double-digits, with May Pantino and Joy Cases each contributing 12 points, while Dell Palomata and Judy Caballejo managed 10 markers.
BOC are assured of a semis seat with a 5-2 record, while Air Force end the elims with a 2-5 slate.
The Scores
Bureau of Customs (3) – Kuthaisong 21, Valdez 15, Mabbayad 11, Vargas 9, Soriano 8, Jaisaen 3, Corpuz 0, Llagoso 0, Mandapat 0, Emnas (L), Ibisa (L)
Air Force (1) – Cases 12, Pantino 12, Caballejo 10, Palomata 10, Tapic 3, Antipuesto 3, Semana 2, Manzano 1, Abanto 0, Balmaceda (L), Crisostomo (L)
