The Power Smashers made the most of their comeback this time around, dragging and beating the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors in a five-set classic 24-26, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-13 to force a do-or-die match in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semis at the PhilSports Arena.
The Lady Warriors were firmly in control in the first two sets, just like their last game. Like clockwork, however, Pocari Sweat’s play took a dive in the next two sets.
The Power Smashers dominated the third set then refused to give an inch in the fourth set. Tied at 18, the Power Smashers gained a 20-18 edge thanks to errors from Pocari Sweat. The Power Smashers then rode steady attacking from imports Hyapa Amporn and Kannika Thipachot to force a decider.
The Power Smashers came out on fire in the fifth frame, going up by as much as four, 10-6. Myla Pablo and Michelle Strizak helped keep Pocari Sweat in the match, tying the match at 13. Off-the-bench hero Regine Arocha tipped in a soft hit to give the Power Smashers set point advantage, 14-13, setting up Thipachot’s game winning stuff of an over-received pass.
Thipachot tallied a conference-high 28 points while Amporn added 18.
“Unang-una, ‘yung first set error lang namin, second set parang ganoon rin, nawala ang receive namin. Pero ‘yung rotation na pinraktis namin, mas naging effective against Pocari,” thought Power Smashers head coach Nes Pamilar.
“Hindi, actually pareho naman yung first game, lamang kami ng first 2 sets, nagkakaroon lang kami ng problema. Pag humahabol, nara-rattle eh. So doon nawawala yung reception namin. So siguro, kailangan lang namin ma-explain lang. Siguro sa mindset lang ng players.”
On Thursday also at the PhilSports Arena, the Power Smashers can eliminate the two-time champions and book a ticket to the Finals.
American winger Michelle Strizak carried the Lady Warriors’ offense with 33 points while Myla Pablo managed 20.
The Scores
Power Smashers (3) – Thipachot 28, Amporn 18, Prado 17, Arocha 4, Bicar 4, Pacres 4, Marzan 3, Galang (L)
Pocari Sweat (2) – Strizak 33, Pablo 20, Nepomuceno 11, Panaga 11, Sy 7, Dadang 3, Gohing (L)
