BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Sta. Lucia kept its final four bid alive after surging to its fourth-straight win at the expense of Perlas, 25-13, 25-18, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center, Tuesday night.
The Lady Realtors improved its standing to 5-3, while also ending the Perlas Spikers’ semifinal hopes.
Mika Reyes scored back-to-back aces to give Sta. Lucia an eight-point advantage, 19-11, in the third set.
Perlas managed to slice the lead to six, but MJ Phillips and Jovie Prado restored the lead to eight at 23-15.
Phillips committed a service error before Prado put the Lady Realtors at match-point. Djanel Cheng converted a drop to end the match at 25-16.
“Siguro kung ano ‘yung straight wins namin, masasabi natin na pinaghirapan ng bawat isa ‘yun. Talagang ‘yung dedication, ‘yung motivation, ‘yung focus, lahat ‘yun,” said Sta. Lucia head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Phillips topped the scoring charts with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace along with 16 excellent digs.
Prado added 10 markers and eight excellent receptions in the win, while Reyes and Jonah Sabete had nine apiece.
“‘Pag ikaw ‘yung naka-bubble, sabi nga nila wala kang ibang gagawin kung hindi maglaro. Pero bukod dun sa paglalaro, kailangan ‘yung mindset ng bawat isa maayos,” he continued.
On the other hand, Jho Maraguinot and Sue Roces led the way for the Perlas Spikers — which dropped its fifth game in six outings — with eight points each.
Sta. Lucia will take on Petro Gazz on Thursday at 6:00 PM. Meanwhile, Perlas will have Creamline on its schedule next at 4:00 PM on Friday.
