Generika-Ayala burst into the winning column of the 2020 PSL Grand Prix, fending off the Hana Cutura-led Marinerang Pilipina in five grueling sets, 25-16, 18-25, 25-23, 28-30, 16-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre, Tuesday.
The Lifesavers flirted with disaster after losing a 13-10 edge late in the fifth frame, coughing out a series of attack errors that left the door open for the Lady Skippers.
Nica Gulliman then delivered a huge ace to buoy Marinerang Pilipina to match point, 14-13. From there though, Elizabeth Vicet Campos showed that she thrives in the clutch, hammering down three consecutive blows for the breakthrough.
Campos wound up with 32 points. She negated fellow import Cutura’s production of 32 as well.
Eli Soyud also had a stellar offensive outing with 23 markers. Ria Meneses and Patty Orendain continued their reliable performances with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Generika-Ayala halted a two-game slid to rise at 1-2. It also quenched a five-game drought, stemming from its winless campaign in the 2020 PSL Imus City Mayor Maliksi Super Cup: Spike for a Cause.
The Lifesavers couldn’t afford another mishap in the fifth set following a collapse in the previous one.
Generika-Ayala mounted a commanding 19-13 cushion, only to see it crumble due after its offense went adrift. Marinerang Pilipina then pounced and took the lead at 20-19.
Campos responded with a hit, triggering a trade of blows that led to a 22-all stalemate. Eli Soyud misfired, allowing Cutura to put Marinerang Pilipina at match point.
Generika-Ayala then unfurled a run of its own to forge a deuce. Momentum swung wildly from there until a Cutura hit and an Orendain error forged a decider.
On the other hand, the Lady Skippers remained winless in three matches in the import-laden conference. But this was their closest to a triumphant moment after losing in 20 matches last season.
Souzan Raslan was the lone local in double-figures for the beleaguered team.
Generika-Ayala seeks to build from this win when it collides with streaking Sta. Lucia on Saturday, March 14 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center. Meanwhile, Marinerang Pilipina tries to chalk a win up when it faces PLDT on Tuesday, March 17 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
