V-League: Pocari Sweat keeps record clean, upends NU

Pocari Sweat celebrates win. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Pocari Sweat used its veteran savvy to stun National University in five sets, 34-32, 17-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-11, for a perfect start in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Myla Pablo went nuclear in the latter part of the match capping of her 18-point scoring outburst on her former team with a powerful crosscourt kill in the fifth set to ensure the Lady Warriors’ 2-0 record.

Assistant coach Rommel Abella said it was his team’s experience that pushed them against the faster and more energized Lady Bulldogs squad.

“Experience talaga and very vital yun para sa amin,” said Abella who is filling in for head coach Tai Bundit who’s in Thailand. “Yung mga players ko hindi na collegiate, so experience talaga ang nagdala sa amin nung fifth set, experience and intensity.”

Pocari had the upper hand in the offensive end, recording 55 points off spikes while NU only had 47. But it was the Lady Bulldogs who had the lock on service aces with 18 while the Lady Warriors had 10.

Michele Gumabao led Pocari with 27 points while Elaine Kasilag added 21.

Jaja Santiago and Jorelle Singh had 23 and 21 points, respectively, for the 1-1 Lady Bulldogs.