After falling behind two sets, the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors gutted out a comeback, outlasting the Petro Gazz Angels, 17-25, 27-29, 25-16, 25-23, 15-13, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Warriors fell behind by two sets in heartbreaking fashion, letting a tight second frame slip through their own miscues. They had no choice but to dig deep and drag the match to a fifth set, as they already have five times before.
“Masama talaga ‘yung nilaro namin ng simula. Pero, sabi ko nga sa team may tatlong set pa kami na chance para manalo,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Jasper Jimenez.
Pocari Sweat-Air Force dominated the next two sets, forcing a tight decider. Paneng Mercado carried the Petro Gazz offense for much of the fifth set, while Pocari Sweat-Air Force went to captain Myla Pablo for the late points, including the cross-court hit that gave the Lady Warriors a 14-12 lead.
Petro Gazz had a chance at a deuce after Jonah Sabete fished a block on Pablo. But Petro Gazz middle blocker Rachel Austero capped the match, serving long following a timeout.
“Lumabas na lang siguro ‘yung katatagan ng team. Medyo bagong team pa rin kami din so ngayon lang din talaga kami nakakabuo ng hustong chemistry,” added Jimenez.
Two-time league Most Valuable Player Myla Pablo topped all scorers with 22 points, while towering opposite hitter Iari Yongco added 17 markers.
Mercado and Sabete each finished with 15 markers.
Pocari Sweat (5-5) will face the Creamline Cool Smashers (6-2) in Legazpi on November 11. The Angels (5-4) take on the Tacloban Fighting Warays (4-6) on Saturday at the same venue.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat-Air Force (3) – Pablo 22, Yongco 17, Palomata 11, Cases 10, Panaga 10, Semana 4, Kasilag 2, Pantino 1, Balmaceda (L), Tempiatura (L)
Petro Gazz (2) – Mercado 15, Sabete 15, Baloaloa 11, Nunag 10, Mendrez 7, Austero 5, De Leon 5, Saet 4, Layug 1, Cheng 0, Pablo 0, Cruz (L)
