Without team captain Angeli Araneta, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers played inspired volleyball and carved out a four-set 25-17, 20-25, 25-14, 25-9 victory over the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the 2019 PSL All-Filipino Conference, Thursday.
The Lifesavers have now forged a two-way knot at the third spot with Foton. Both squads boast of a 7-5 card — half-a-game ahead of Cignal, which holds a 6-5 slate after a win over the latter earlier in the day.
“Napakaimportante kasi siyempre ‘yung high rank, mas maganda yung posistion sa quarterfinals,” said Generika-Ayala head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Save for a shock loss in the second set, the Lifesavers overwhelmed the Lady Realtors in each of the sets they’ve secured.
“Kahit nakakuha ng isang set yung Sta. Lucia nabawi naman nila nung last set malaki yung score,” said Meneses.
Fiola Ceballos had a game-high 16 points built on 15 spikes while Patty Orendain lagged a point behind as she tallied 15 points to go along with 16 excellent digs.
Ria Meneses supplied 11 points spiked by two aces. Mean Mendrez, who stepped up for Araneta, finished with eight points while Mariella Gabarda chipped seven.
“Sabi ko sa kanila yung adjustment natin kailangan mamaster natin kasi napakaiksi ng preparation doon sa posisyon na yun. Naging okay naman kasi first time talaga na hindi maglalaro si Neta,” Meneses added.
Jamie Lavitoria generated five of her team’s nine aces to go along with 11 excellent sets. Kath Arado patrolled the floor with 28 excellent digs.
Sta. Lucia, on the other hand, had a sour end to their preliminary round with a 2-12 card.
The Lifesavers only have two players in double-digit territory with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Rachel Austero contributed five of her team’s eight aces for nine points.
Generika-Ayala seeks to sustain momentum when it faces Cignal on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Meanwhile, the Lady Realtors will almost have two weeks of preparation for the quarterfinals, which starts on August 15.
