V-League Finals: Resilient Air Force frustrates Pocari for 1-0 lead

Philippine Air Force celebrates tough win over Pocari Sweat in game 1 of Shakey’s V-League Finals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Air Force showed a steely resolve and outplayed Pocari Sweat late to pull off a stunning 17-25, 25-20, 15-25, 26-24, 15-11 win in Game 1 of the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Finals Wednesday night at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Jet Spikers appeared beaten when they faced seemingly insurmountable leads of 11-3, 20-14 and 22-18 in a thrilling fourth set, but they proved those were just a series of tests that brought out the team’s character on their way to a dramatic victory.

“Fighting spirit namin lumabas,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.

“Fighting spirit talaga. Kahit na malayo kalaban namin, yung pagiging isa namin ang naging key doon,” Jimenez stressed. “Talagang dumaan kami sa butas ng karayom kanina.”

May Pantino and Joy Cases spearheaded Air Force’s rally. Pantino wound up with 17 points, including an off-the-block hit that the brought the Jet Spikers at match point, 14-11.

Wendy Semana also shone with 65 excellent sets as she and fellow Far Eastern University Tamaraw Gyselle Sy dueled.

“The best setter sa akin si Wendy. Balita ko nga sa media na siya yung best setter,” Jimenez said.

“Coach ko siya, siya yung natuturo sakin pero pinatunayan naman kung sakali,” Semana said.

Air Force can wrap up its dream run with a first-ever V-League title on Saturday night also at the same venue.

Michele Gumabao and Myla Pablo combined for 40 points for the Lady Warriors with the former De La Salle captain firing a game-high 22 points with five blocks. Elaine Kasilag added 17.