As they had the entire season, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors leapt out of the jaws of defeat and forced a winner-take-all match.
The Lady Warriors slammed the Air Force Jet Spikers in Game Two of the Shakey’s V-League Finals and forced a Game Three on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Pocari’s team captain, Michele Gumabao was integral in pounding the relentless Air Force floor defense. She managed just seven points but kept her team in the game mentally with constant pep talks.
“Do – that’s our mindset. We won’t choose die,” remarked the famed La Salle alum. “Everyone did their part, we worked as a team – that was what we did a while ago and that’s what we’re going to do more of on Monday. Before today, we’ve never beaten them. Kailangan namin sila talunin not just for the championship but also for ourselves.”
Air Force’s defense frustrated Pocari into submission in Game One. Today, the Lady Warriors kept their heads down and outworked Air Force.
“If nabuhay nila ‘yung bola, babawi kami sa ibang bagay. If nabuhay nila ‘yung palo namin, kailangan mabuhay din namin ‘yung palo nila,” expressed Gumabao.
“‘Yung lang ‘yung personal mindset ko. Kung mabuhay nila yung palo ko, kailang ma-dig o ma-block ko ‘yung palo nila. You just have to cover each and every area in volleyball.”
Game Three is familiar territory for the Lady Warriors. With their first franchise title within grasp, Pocari is raring for Monday come around.
“Ang sabi ko lang sa teammates ko, kung anong gagawin ng Air Force, dodoblehin natin. Alam kong di kami number one in receive and defense pero ‘yun ‘yung ginawa namin kanina and we’re going to that again on Monday.”
