Prado returns, leads Laoag over Air Force

Laoag huddles during a timeout late in the third set against Air Force. Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

Buoyed by the return of its key players, Laoag needed only three sets to take down Philippine Air Force, 25-14, 25-23, 25-23, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Saturday night at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

In her first game back after missing a two games, Jovielyn Prado unloaded a game-high 19 points, capped by the game-sealing kill, as the Power Smashers improved to 2-2.

Ang sinasabi ko nga lang sa kanila during training, nandyan ang skills niyo, kumpleto kayo, ang kulang lang kumpiyansa,” said Laoag coach Nestor Pamilar, whose squad dealt the Jet Spikers their first loss in four outings. “Nakita namin skills ng bawa’t isa, ang nakita lang namin na kulang sa kanila yung tiwala sa sarili.”

“Nakabalik yung dalawa katulad so mas naging matibay ang depensa namin,” said Pamilar, referring to Prado and libero Jan Eunice Galang.

While Laoag was in full strength, Air Force played minus one of its stars in Dell Palomata.

Pamilar said Laoag prepared a game plan against a complete Air Force side and the unexpected absence of Palomata didn’t caught his team off guard, instead, it was a welcome development to the Power Smashers.

“Naka-mindset sila na kumpleto kalaban at nandoon yung malaki nila so sabi ko sa kanila mas advantage sa atin na wala ngayon.”

Laoag led, 24-19, in the third set after a crosscourt hit from Jema Galanza, but allowed Air Force to come to within one before Prado put the game away.

Joy Cases paced Air Force with 12 points.