IMUS, CAVITE — Flaunting their vaunted offensive pace, the West Japan All-Stars steamrolled their way to the gold medal of the 2020 PSL Imus City Mayor Maliksi Super Cup: Spike for a Cause, Thursday.
The Japanese completed a dominant three-game sweep, capping it off with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-15 conquest of Generika-Ayala at the Imus Sports Complex.
The visiting squad relied on the scoring exploits of Kaho Wakaizumi and Aika Hayashida to douse Lifesavers, who brought the fight throughout the match.
Wakaizumi wound up as the leading scorer, pummeling nine attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Hayashida had a stellar offensive outing of her own with 10 markers in a span of a set for Japan.
The Japanese team landed atop the podium ahead of second-placer Sta. Lucia and third-placer Cignal.
On the other hand, the Lifesavers put up a gallant stand despite the loss.
They showcased their steady growth in the three-day tournament, giving the Japanese a tough challenge especially in the second set.
“Actually ‘yung game ngayon, inenjoy namin kasi malaking bagay sa amin ‘tong pre-season na ‘to. So maraming lesson kaming natutunan dito,” Generika-Ayala head coach Sherwin Meneses said.
“Kahit 0-3 kami, malaking tulong sa amin ‘to kasi almost half ng team ko bago. So maganda ‘yung game namin kahit talo kami,” he added.
Elizabeth Vicet Campos spearheaded Generika-Ayala with nine markers, drawing strength from freshly-minted Rhea Dimaculangan, a former league MVP. Ria Meneses managed six markers, while Mina Aganon chimed in five in a losing cause.
The Lifesavers concluded the tournament with 0-3 card.
