After multiple third place finishes in the Philippine Superliga and four do-or-die games, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors have finally done it.
Indicative of their company name, The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors had to sweat for a golden finish to their golden season. Looking shaky throughout, the Lady Warriors pulled off their signature come-from-behind win in Game Three of the Shakey’s V-League Finals to clinch the championship 25-27, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“Actually, nagpursige kami as a team,” Finals MVP Myla Pablo said. “Alam namin malakas yung Air Force kaya tuloy-tuloy kaming nag-adjust.”
For her exemplary effort, Pablo was deemed the Finals MVP capping her season with a 23-point performance off 21 attacks a block and an ace.
Air Force replicated their Game Two effort, rushing out of the first set gate and taking a 17-9 lead. Pocari’s Desiree Dadang sparked a resounding comeback, serving two aces to cut through the lead. Later on, Myla Pablo completed Pocari’s comeback, scoring thrice on 4-0 run to give the Lady Warriors a 23-22 lead. The set dragged into a long deuce which swung towards the Lady Warriors’ favor after two straight Air Force errors pushed them ahead 28-27. Michele Gumabao finished the set with a down the line hit.
Unfazed, Air Force mustered the same opening vigor for the second set. Through tough defense and smart attacking, Air Force launched to a 22-9 lead. Dadang nearly sparked another late rally, serving Pocari back in the match and anchoring a 7-1 Lady Warriors’ run. But Jet Spikers veterans Judy Caballejo and Joy Cases pulled their team out of the rut and powered home Air Force’s last three points to tie the match at a set apiece.
Pablo then erupted in the third set. The former National U Lady Bulldog was unstoppable and led Pocari to a four-point lead, 11-7. Air Force tried to comeback, getting the deficit down to one, 10-11, but Pablo continued her roll. Pocari again rallied to a 19-15 lead which lasted until the end of the set. Pablo scored seven points in the third frame alone.
The fourth set became an apt coronation for the Lady Warriors. Pocari shook off a gallant Air Force stand and slowly wore down the Jet Spikers until they landed a commanding 23-18 lead. Setter Gyzelle Sy then put on the finishing touches, slipping in a drop ball on the second touch then serving an ace for championship point.
Head coach Rommel Abella could not hide how proud he was of the resiliency his team displayed all throughout the tournament and the Finals series.
“Very proud ako sa mga players namin kasi kahit down kami sa points or sa losses kaya pa rin namin umangat,” he said
“Last game na so wala na kaming dapat talaga itira – ‘yun ang mindset,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella. “Hands down to my players, they really didn’t give up. Nag-execute sila.”
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Pablo 23, Kasilag 15, Gumabao 12, Malaluan 8, Sy 7, Dadang 5, Nepomuceno 1, Espelita 0, Fajardo 0, Enclona (L), Gohing (L)
Air Force (1) – Cases 20, Pantino 13, Tapic 13, Antipuesto 8, Tapic 8, Semana 3, Yongco 3, Caballejo 0, Manzano 0, Balmaceda (L), Crisostomo (L)
