Air Force levels Laoag to take 1-0 lead in semis

Air Force’s Dell Palomata (9) reacts during a game in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Philippine Air Force took care of pesky Laoag in three sets, 25-20, 26-24, 26-24, in its first game of the semifinal stages of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Judy Caballejo and Joy Cases each had 15 points to lead the no.1-seeded Jet Spikers as they took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Jocemer Tapic and May Pantino also finished in double figures for PAF with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

PAF’sonly loss in the tournament came in the hands of the Power Smashers and head coach Jasper Jimenez finally enacted revenge in the opportune time of the semifinals.

“Yung pagkukulang namin nung first game namin nung nakalaban namin ‘yung Laoag napunan namin ngayon,” said Jimenez. “Pinakita ng bawat isa ‘yung dapat gawin sa court.”

PAF had a distinct advantage in attacking, putting up 49 points off spikes against Laoag’s 37.

Mylene Paat led the no.4 Power Smashers with 13 points while Jovielyn Prado and Jema Galanza added 12 and 11 points, respectively.