Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Pocari Sweat didn’t need a fifth set to down Bali Pure this time out.
The Lady Warriors outclassed the Purest Water Defenders in four sets, 15-25, 27-25, 25-11, 25-23 to advance to the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Contrary to its previous three matchups against Bali Pure, Pocari Sweat found a way to stay composed in the end, with Elaine Kasilag making the difference late as she scored four of the team’s final five points, including the smash to put the exclamation point in the grueling three-game series between the rivals.
“First time sa team namin makapasok sa Finals. We’ll do our best and as they say, God will do the rest,” said coach Rommel Abella.
Myla Pablo lorded for Pocari Sweat, unloading 22 of her 26 points off kills.
Kasilag also had 21, 18 of which from hits, while Michele Gumabao had 15 markers.
The Lady Warriors had to bounce back from a poor first set showing, 15-25 before sweeping the next three sets and averting another thriller.
“Trademark na siguro namin yung slow start. Tawag na nga sa amin diesel kasi kailangan nag-iinit muna. Buti nakabawi kami at nagtuloy-tuloy,” said Abella.
Pocari Sweat completed the comeback after surrendering Game 1 of the best-of-three series, and will now brace for Philippine Air Force in the championship duel, set on July 13.
Bali Pure, meanwhile, will face off against Laoag in the battle for third.
Grethcel Soltones paced the Purest Water Defenders with 19 points, while Alyssa Valdez had 15 in the sorry defeat.