Even with the clear talent advantage, the Laoag Power Smashers needed to dig deep to quell a determined Iriga City Lady Oragons, 25-10, 25-23, 20-25, 25-15, to notch their first Shakey’s V-League Open Conference win at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Laoag easily dumped their reeling foes in the first set as Iriga open hitter Edcel Co went down with a wrist injury. Iriga, however, fought back in the following frame, limiting their errors and capitalizing on Laoag’s shaky passing. Iriga surged ahead after two straight points capped by a Graziella Bombita smash that gave them a 23-21 lead. But Laoag’s Jema Galanza came alive to lift the Power Smashers up, netting a spike and two aces in her team’s finishing 4-0 push.
Spotting their foes errors and free balls, Laoag again allowed Iriga to stay within striking distance in the third frame. Iriga then pounced on Laoag with a decisive 4-0 rally that pushed them ahead 22-17. A late timeout could not save Laoag as Iriga rode their momentum until the end to extend the match.
A cleaner and stingier Laoag-side showed up in the fourth set. Taking full advantage of her numerous potent attackers, veteran Laoag setter Chi Saet allowed her squad to hum all the way. The Power Smashers ballooned a 14-11 lead into a 22-14 advantage, putting the match out of reach.
Laoag’s pair of Adamson Lady Falcons Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat towed the offense with 16 and 11 points apiece. San Sebastian middle hitter Katherine Villegas added nine markers.
Laoag missed the services of their Arellano Lady Chief players, Jovielyn Prado and Eunice Galang. Both are currently participating in the InterCol in Baguio City.
“Marami pa kaming kailangan ayusin. Hindi kasi ganyan ang galaw ng team sa ensayo. Iba talaga, mas mabilis. Kulang pa kami sa communication din pero lahat naman yan kayang ayusin habang tumatag yung season,” said Laoag head coach Nes Pamilar.
JRU Lady Bomber Shola Alvarez
Bombita led Iriga with 16 points, 11 from spikes, three from blocks, and two from aces, while JRU Lady Bomber Shola Alvarez added 13.
The Laoag Power Smashers (1-1) will have a four day break before facing a formidable Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors team (1-0) on Saturday, June 4 at 6:30pm. The Iriga City Lady Oragons (0-1) look to bounce back on Wednesday, June 1 as they face the debuting Baguio Summer Spikers at 4:00pm.
The Scores:
Laoag (3) – Galanza 16, Paat 11, Villegas 9, Eulalio 6, Layug 4, Saet 3, Sta. Rita 2, Kramer 1, Emnas 0, Tan 0, Gillego (L)
Iriga (1) – Bombita 16, Alvarez 13, Faurillo 5, Levina 5, Lana 4, Cabriana 3, Guab 2, Mondragon 0, Pacino (L)
