Dell Palomata stands tall as Air Force stuns PacificTown–Army

Dell Palomata towered over the PacificTown–Army Lady Troopers, lifting the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers to a straight-set stunner, 25-22, 25-21, 25-19, in the 2019 PVL Open Conference, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Palomata was a dominant force above the net. She hammered down 17 attacks and collected three of her team’s six kill blocks en route to a game-high 20 points.

Air Force setter Wendy Semana also played an instrumental role in the rousing victory. She tossed 30 excellent sets for the Lady Jet Spikers, who rained down 41 attacks.

May Ann Pantino and Judy Ann Caballejo chipped in nine markers apiece. Meanwhile, Joy Cases flirted with a double-double performance of seven points and 11 excellent digs.

“Talagang sobrang proud ako sa nilaro namin ngayon. Dati naman naming ginagawa, nawala ang kompiyansa, ngayon bumalik,” said Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez.

With the win, the Lady Jet Spikers have soared to sixth spot with a 3-5 card. Moreover, they are now riding a three-game winning surge.

“Sana magtuluy-tuloy pa para makapasok kami sa Top Four. Yun naman ang aim ng team, makapasok muna sa top four, and another plan naman pagdating doon,” added Jimenez.

On the other hand, PacificTown–Army saw their offense stagnate. Royse Tubino was the lone double-digit scorer for her team with 13 points.

Jovelyn Gonzaga managed nine markers. She also netted 10 excellent digs and six excellent receptions for the Lady Troopers, who slumped to a 4-4 slate.

Air Force look to sustain their momentum to the second round when they face Motolite. Meanwhile, PacificTown–Army seek a bounce-back win against the struggling Chef’s Classics Lady Red Spikers. Both matches are slated on Wednesday at the same venue.