A huge come-from-behind finish in the third set aided Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors to their fourth win in a row at the expense of Laoag Power Smashers in three sets, 25-13, 25-20, and 26-24 in the 13th Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference Monday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Breanna Mackie led Pocari Sweat and all scorers with her 21 points off 16 kills, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Iris Tolenada produced 28 perfect sets in tonight”s win.
The Lady Warriors exposed Laoag’s lack of size, relying much on their attacks to open the first set with a commanding 14-4 lead. The Power Smashers were able to score off check balls to inch within six, 17-11, but that proved to be the closest they can get as Pocari Sweat pulled a 7-2 run capped by two straight kills from Elaine Kasilag and Mackie to snatch a 1-0 set lead, 25-13.
Laoag came back from their dismal first set loss with a more attack-oriented movement in the next frame, forcing a 15-all deadlock midway. From the said tie, Pocari Sweat gained their rhythm back on both ends, and similar to the previous set, the Lady Warriors made another 10-5 spree closed by back-to-back hits from foreign reinforcements Andrea Kacsits and Mackie to emerge with a 2-0 lead, 25-20.
The last period saw a monstrous comeback by the Lady Warriors. The Power Smashers took control of the pace and went close to extending the match. However, the Lady Warriors, through hits from Kacsits, Michele Gumabao, and Myla Pablo, fought back from a 15-23 deficit to tie the set at 24-all. With momentum at their side, Pablo closed the set and the match with two straight cross-court kills to help Pocari Sweat post their fourth straight win.
Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella gave the credit to his players regarding that furious rally in the third set.
“Players na yun eh. Sila nag-usap kung anong dapat gawin. Sa kanila na nanggaling,” said Abella. “Very proud ako sa nangyari, na naka-comeback kami.”
Gretchel Soltones and Jorelle Singh led Laoag with 10 and nine, respectively, in a losing effort, which sends them to their second straight loss.
Pocari Sweat (4-1) will look to post their fifth straight win against the surging Balipure Purest Water Defenders this Saturday, October 29, at 4PM. Laoag (2-4), meanwhile, will try to bounce back also against Balipure this Wednesday, October 26, at 6PM.
The Scores:
Pocari (3) – Mackie 21, Kacsits 7, Kasilag 6, Dadang 5, Pablo 5, Gumabao 3, Nepomuceno 2, Alvarez 1, Tolenada 1, Sy 1, Gohing L.
Laoag (0) – Soltones 10, Singh 9, Urdas 6, Villegas 5, Eulalio 3, Prado 3, Saet 1, Guillema 0, Galang L, Eroa L.
