Generika-Ayala kicked off their campaign in the 2019 PSL Invitational Cup on a high note, making short work of the error-plagued Marinerang Pilipina, 25-19, 25-23, 25-17, at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite, Tuesday.
Holding a slim edge at 17-16 in the decisive third set, the Lifesavers picked up steam through a pair of costly errors from Cesca Racraquin, who misfired on consecutive scoring attempts.
The troika of Fiola Ceballos, Patty Orendain and Mean Mendrez then took turns in punishing the opposition, lifting Generika-Ayala to a 23-17 cushion. Ceballos pushed her team at match point with a spike that went off the block, before Racraquin overcooked another hit.
Marinerang Pilipina surrendered 28 errors to the Lifesavers, who chalked up the first win in Pool B.
“Siyempre maganda siyang momentum kasi first game namin so dapat manalo kami,” said Ceballos, who overcame a shoulder pain to hammer down 12 points.
Mendrez also spearheaded the offensive thrust for Generika-Ayala with 12 markers. Orendain chipped in 10 points, while Ria Meneses supplied seven.
The Lifesavers continued to miss the services of skipper Angeli Araneta, who is still nursing an injury to her left knee.
Meanwhile, Generika-Ayala setter Jamie Lavitoria tossed 13 excellent sets to go along with 15 excellent digs.
Defensive specialist Bia General collected 28 excellent digs and six excellent receptions. She also stepped up for national team member Kath Arado, who played limited minutes.
On the other hand, Racraquin was the lone double-digit scorer for the Lady Skippers. She poured in a game-high 14 points off 11 attacks, a pair of service aces and a kill block, lacing it with 21 excellent digs in a losing cause.
Nica Guliman and Judith Abil managed eight markers apiece for Marinerang Pilipina, who extended their losing streak to 16 matches following a winless 15-game stint last conference.
Generika-Ayala look to sustain their momentum when they face the Petron Blaze Spikers. Meanwhile, Marinerang Pilipina try to dispel their long drought when they take on the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. Both matches will be played on October 1, Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Center Antipolo.
