Angel Antipuesto of Air Force vs Elaine Kasilag and Lutgarda Malaluan of Pocari Sweat. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
PHILIPPINE Air Force looks to complete an unexpected title romp against a Pocari Sweat squad hoping to stay alive by pulling off what it does best.
After showing incredible resolve in the opener, the Jet Spikers go for a sweep of the Lady Warriors, who vie to complete one more magical comeback in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference today.
“We showed character,” said Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez after his Jet Spikers rallied from eight points down in the fourth frame before prevailing in a five-set thriller, 17-25, 25-20, 15-25, 26-24, 15-11, in Game 1 last Wednesday. “Even when we were down, we just believed that we can do it.”
Game 2 of the best-of-three series is set 6 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
But if there’s any team who knows about comebacks, the Lady Warriors believe it’s them. So Pocari star Michele Gumabao thinks her squad still has a strong shot at the crown.
“We work well in do-or-die games and we’re going to prove that,” said Gumabao.
The Lady Warriors rose from a 0-1 series deficit against the star-studded Bali Pure in the semifinals aside from winning several come-from-behind elimination matches.
“We have high hopes we can bounce back,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella, who’s also banking on Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag.
The Jet Spikers will bank on Judy Ann Caballejo, Joy Cases and Wendy Ann Semana.
Meanwhile, conference MVP Grethcel Soltones aims to take charge again as Bali Pure guns for a sweep of Team Laoag at 4 p.m. for third place honors.