Sta. Lucia raised the curtains to its 2020 PSL Grand Prix campaign on a triumphant note after outlasting the Roger Gorayeb-mentored PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in three close sets, 26-24, 25-23, 29-27, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Facing a rough patch late in the decisive third frame after trailing 17-20, the Lady Realtors got their acts together thanks to Shainah Joseph. The Canadian-bred hitter went on a scoring binge to overturn the three-point deficit to a slim edge, 22-21.
MJ Phillips then took the reins from Joseph and delivered the goods for Sta. Lucia, keeping up with the gutsy Power Hitters that forged a frantic deuce.
After trading blows, a deadlock at 27 ensued. Joseph saw an opening to break the lock and seized it, nailing a crucial hit that pushed Sta. Lucia at match point. PLDT’s import Maeva Orle then sent her potential equalizer long to seal the deal for the Lady Realtors.
Sta. Lucia looks to keep its hot start rolling when it collides with Marinerang Pilipina on Saturday, March 7, at the FilOil Arena. Meanwhile, PLDT will try to chalk up a win and spoil F2 Logistics’ season debut on Tuesday, March 3, at the Bacoor Strike Gym.
