Pocari Sweat cruises past Team Laoag, gets solo lead

STILL clicking with its veteran trio, Pocari Sweat cruised past Team Laoag, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, to grab the solo 3-0 lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference last night at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Michelle Gumabao powered the Lady Spikers anew with eight kills, one block and half of the team’s eight aces for a 13-point performance.

“We’re really focused every game,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella, who also leaned on Myla Pablo (13 points) and Elaine Kasilag (11 points).

Earlier, Philippine Air Force found an easy target in Team Baguio and hacked out a straight-sets victory, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18.

But Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez wasn’t easy to please and kept pushing his team even if the Jet Spikers held a wide seven-point advantage, 17-10, in the third set.

“We have to continue improving in our remaining games,” said Jimenez. “Our target is the top four.”

The Jet Spikers stayed unbeaten in two games with a convincing triumph hinged heavily on offense as the Jet Spikers overpowered the Summer Spikers on kills, 42-29.

“We all have to stay in top condition to contend in this conference,” said veteran Joy Cases, who fired all of her 12 points off attacks.

Cignal, though, spoiled Air Force’s bid for a day’s sweep with a 25-16, 25-19, 21-25, 25-16 victory in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.