Carrying an eight-point lead early in the fourth set, and leading two sets to one in the first game of the Shakey’s V League Season 13 Open Conference Finals against Air Force, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors failed to close out the game.
Myla Pablo, who scored 18 points off 15 attacks, two blocks and an ace for Pocari, had nothing but regret on her mind after the game.
“Ngayon, nanlalambot kami kasi parang sa’min na, ta’s nawala pa,” said the Open Conference MVP candidate.
Pablo rued her team’s loose play and lack of focus in the fourth set that started their breakdown. She said they had no one to blame but themselves.
“Nawalan kami ng receive sa dulo e. So ayun, miscommunication nga. Kami naman may kasalanan nu’n e, ‘di naman sila coach,” she said. “Nawala kami sa focus nu’ng fourth set. Parang nag-relax kami kasi lamang kami.”
“Kaya parang na-rattle kami sa court ‘pag lumalapit na ‘yung score sa amin.”
The Lady Dubs have yet to defeat the Lady Jet Spikers in a game this conference, and Pablo is as clueless as everyone else as to why.
“Siguro may purpose si God kung bakit ‘di namin matalo-talo ‘yung Air Force,” said Pablo.
However, do-or-die games are not something new to Pocari Sweat, as they have won two of these in their semifinals matchup against the Alyssa Valdez-led Bali Pure Water Defenders.
Pablo and the Lady Warriors will face Air Force on Saturday, still at the Philsports Arena, for the second game of the finals.
“Sabi nga ni coach, mahilig kami diyan sa do-or-die e, so sana mabago namin ‘yung laro namin sa Saturday,” she said.
“Pag-aaralan namin lahat ng mali namin, like service receive, kasi masyadong butas kami sa gitna ‘pag service e. Back to basics.”
