Riding a tidal wave of momentum, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors scored their third straight win at the expense of the depleted Laoag Power Smashers, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17 in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Pocari Sweat had to fight hard at the start of the match, as Laoag kept the offensive pressure high. Trailing 7-9, the Lady Dubs surged ahead through a 3-0 run supplemented by Michele Gumabao’s attacks. Laoag’s floor defense and passing slowly disintegrated, until Gumabao found a sweet spot and scored two aces that flanked a 4-0 Pocari run for a 23-20 lead. Laoag then finished the set, giving up errors and their early advantage.
The Lady Dubs showed great tactical serving in the following sets, constantly directing their serves to Laoag’s weakest passers. The Power Smashers could not adjust, giving up free balls that became fodder for Pocari’s Smash Sisters, Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag. Pocari broke away from a slim 14-12 lead in the second set to an unconquerable 21-14 advantage. The third was well out of doubt early, as Pocari immediately stormed to a 17-9 advantage and never looked back.
Continuing her redemption season, Gumabao put up another splendid stat line with 13 points off eight attacks, four aces, and a block. NU standout Myla Pablo also dished out 13, while Kasilag contributed 11 markers.
“Marami pang kailangan ayusin ang team Pero it’s good that we already have a 3-0 record,” said Pocari head coach Rommel Abella. “We just can’t be complacent if we want to win. As cliché as it may sound, we have to keep taking it one game at a time.”
Laoag’s pair of Adamson hitters again led their offense. Mylene Paat amassed 14 points ,while Jema Galanza added nine, her lowest output of the season.
Pocari Sweat (3-0) will take on the Baguio Summer Spikers (0-2) next Saturday, 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Laoag (1-2) have their next match on the same day and venue against the Air Force Air Spikers (2-0).
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Gumabao 13, Pablo 13, Kasilag 11, Dadang 5, Malaluan 3, Vargas 3, Sy 2, Espelita 1, Fajardo 1, Nepomuceno 1, Alkuino 0, Enclona (L), Gohing (L)
Laoag (0) – Paat 14, Galanza 9, Eulalio 5, Villegas 3, Sta. Rita 2, Layug 1, Saet 1, Emnas 0, Sante 0, Gillego (L)
