The Generika Lifesavers had a shot at taking their first win of the season against the RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers.
But the tide of a crucial fourth set shifted to Army’s favor, after a string of calls led to Generika losing three points in one sequence.
A touch was called on Army import Kierra Holst’s serve, prompting heated protests from the Lifesavers. Acting team captain Ria Meneses was then hit with a red card for misconduct, which infuriated Generika head coach Francis Vicente, who called out the first referee Jose Hugo, receiving a yellow and a red card in return.
The Lifesavers fell in four sets, 25-20, 24-26, 25-20, 26-24.
The calls ultimately cost the Lifesavers the match, and Vicente was adamant over his stance to file a complaint against the referee whom he claimed has personal vendetta against the team.
“Noong game pa lang ng Cignal ganiyan na ‘yung tawag niya – very crucial. Nagtataka kami kung bakit siya pa rin ‘yung ginawang referee,” Vicente recalled.
“The reason I got mad is hindi man lang niya tinawag ‘yung mga linesman niya to confirm kung tama ba ‘yung tawag. Nagrereklamo ‘yung player tapos bibigyan niya ng red card. ‘Yung mga ganoong bagay, dapat hindi niya sisigawan ‘yung player. Nagpapakahairap yan e tapos sisigawan mo e siya (Meneses) ‘yung game captain. Doon talaga ako nagalit.”
Vicente then pointed out how the Lady Troopers hadn’t been penalized for their complaining. Vicente claimed that there were also multiple violations called on them that weren’t being called on other teams.
“May something personal so para sa akin dapat tanggalin na ‘yan,” Vicente said. “Hindi maganda sa liga ‘yung ganiyan. Pinapatay niya ‘yung paghihirap ng bata.”
Despite yet another loss, Vicente claimed that he was happy with how his team had performed and came together in the end.
“I’m very proud of them kasi nakita ko ‘yung lumalaban na Generika. Kahit natalo, lumalaban. Mataas (ang morale ng team ngayon) kasi nakita nila na kaya nila.”
