Est Cola turned back Farm Fresh in five sets, 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15, to boost its chances for the bronze match of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Warisara Seetaloed came up big for the young Thais, dropping a tournament-high 33 points on 29 attacks, two blocks, and two aces to go along with 11 excellent receptions to help her side end the preliminaries with a 1-3 record.
“In the fifth set, it was quite close but we were more patient. We helped each other and tried to have fun and be happy which is why we were able to play good,” said Seetaloed.
(C) PVL Images
Seetaloed played a key role in keeping Est Cola at bay, but it wasn’t just her that played a key role in Est Cola’s first win in the PVL.
Natthawan Phattaisong, who finished with 18 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, stepped up as well in the final moments to secure the win against the Foxies.
With Farm Fresh holding a solitary advantage, Seetaloed went on a personal 3-1 run to give the Thais a 12-11 advantage late in the decider. However, Alyssa Bertolano and Trisha Tubu went on the offensive, scoring on back-to-back hits to hand the lead back to the Foxies.
From there, Phattaisong took over, tying the game with an off-speed attack before Tubu pushed Farm Fresh at match point with a powerful through-the-block hit.
Phattaisong hammered down consecutive attacks to put Est Cola ahead, 15-14. However, a miscommunication on the team’s reception allowed Asaka Tamaru’s back-row hit to slip through.
Locked at 15, Nattharika Wasan blocked Tamaru’s attack, before Seetaloed finished what she started and delivered the game-winning ace that sealed the deal following an intense two-hour, 20-minute battle.
“I said in the fourth set– I told my players to serve strong (because) Farm Fresh’s (first ball) receive wasn’t good so they can’t attack with the middle blocker, they (so Farm Freh) can give only open balls,” said Est Cola head coach Wanna Buakaew.
(C) PVL Images
“Then, we stop the open (hitter), and then we try to defend and then we can defend and make (a) point back to Farm Fresh. I told every players (to) serve 100% for the set,” she added.
Panthita Khongnok tossed 24 excellent sets to go along with two points, while Nichakorn Wansuk registered 18 excellent digs.
For Est Cola to make it to the bronze match, the 0-3 Farm Fresh must lose its final match on Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. against Creamline via sweep.
Tamaru led the Foxies with 19 points and 22 excellent receptions, while Ckyle Tagsip played her best game as a pro with 18 points on 14 attacks, three aces, and one block.
Bertolano finished with 14 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions, while Tubu had 12 markers off the bench.
Team captain Louie Romero dished out 25 excellent sets laced with 18 excellent digs.
