Laoag upbeat despite V-League semis exit

Laoag Power Smashers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Power Smashers head coach Nes Paminar is looking forward to a matured Laoag team next conference after losing a toe-to-toe game against Philippine Air Force in the Shakey’s V-League Saturday at San Juan Arena.

Laoag yielded to the Jet Spikers 25-14, 25-20, 19-25, 21-25, 15-10, failing to sustain its come back  from a 2-0 set deficit and coming up short in the 5th set.

“Nung fifth set dumami na ang error namin, doon lumalabas ang maturity, talagang kulang na kulang pa,” said Pamilar.

Pamilar said in an interview with INQUIRER.net what he has is a very young team and he is looking forward to what will happen in the next conference.

He said that he would like to keep the Power Spikers core as long possible because he wants to improve and see the team grow together.

Jema Galanza was the highest pointer for Laoag with 20 points while Mylene Paat added 14 points. But they still can’t stop the firepower of the Jet Spikers with Judy Ann Caballejo leading the team with 23 points.

Galanza felt they could have won, but admitted they lacked the experience as a team and the defeat would help them grow.

“Malungkot kami lahat sa dugout pero proud kami sa sarili namin kasi batang team kami pero lumaban kami sa isang team na maraming beterano. Next conference madaming aabangan sa amin kasi taas na yung kumpyansa namin at mas lalakas pa ang loob ng team,” said Galanza.

The Power smashers drew energy from their team captain Chit Saet, who told the team not to give up after being down two sets.

“Mahirap para sa akin kasi ako ang pinakamatanda sa team, karamihan sa amin first timer kaya madali silang ma-out of focus. Sabi ko lang na ipush namin at wag sila kabahan dahil kaya naman, in the end kinapos lang talaga,” said Saet. Miguel De Leon/Philippine Daily Inquirer trainee