After two losses against the same team in the elimination round, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers figured out the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters at the most crucial time, extending their quarterfinals meeting to a rubber march with a 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 26-24 win at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lifesavers dropped in five sets in both their elimination round meetings against PLDT. With the Power Hitters holding a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the series, Generika-Ayala retooled their thinking.
“Ang usapan naman namin na six sets dapat ang kunin natin, ‘wag natin isipin na two wins. Kahit na makakuha sila ng set, basta kumuha kami ng six sets against PLDT, so tatlo pa. Mataas ang morale ng team ngayon, kaso di pa tapos ang laban,” said Generika-Ayala head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Ang mindset lang namin, kasi nga dalawang five sets na kami ng PLDT, is dagdagan lang ‘yung effort namin. Ngayong pressure game nanaman ang nangyare, nakuha na namin ‘yung breaks,” he added.
After taking two of three grueling sets, Generika-Ayala looked to be heading into another decider with PLDT up 24-23 in the fourth set. The Lifesavers scrambled a quick play for Kseniya Kocyigit to force a deuce and setup Angeli Araneta’s back-to-back aces to win the match.
Five Lifesavers scored in double-digits with Thai import Som Kuthaisong tallying 17 points while Araneta and Ria Meneses each provided 14.
Kendra Dahlke topped the Power Hitters with 23 points from 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Grace Lazard added 15, which included seven blocks.
The do-or-die match will be on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Generika-Ayala (3) – Kuthaisong 17, Araneta 14, Meneses 14, Kocyigit 13, Ceballos 11, Lavitoria 1, Cerveza 0, Hingpit 0, Macatuno 0, Orendain 0, General (L)
PLDT (1) – Dahlke 23, Lazard 15, Urdas 8, Nabor 7, Soltones 7, Devanadera 4, Sta. Rita 3, Alvarez 1, Pantone (L)
