RC Cola Army averted disaster and came away with a four-set victory over Generika, 20-25, 26-24, 25-20, 26-24, in the elimination stages of the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Thursday at San Juan Arena.
From a 16-10 hole in the fourth set, the Lady Troopers fought back to even the scores at 19-19.
Then Generika’s misfortune kicked the Lifesavers in the back when head coach Francis Vicente and middle blocker Ria Meneses were called with two red cards, giving the Lady Troopers two free points for a 21-19 lead.
Lady Troopers head coach Kung Fu Reyes said ge sympathized with Vicente, who went furious seeing first referee Jose Hugo shout at Meneses.
“Bonus sa amin actually [yung mga red card],” said Reyes, whose team improved to 1-4. “Pero masakit kay Generika considering maaaring nanalo pa sila sa last set.”
“Nag usap kami ni coach Francis and sinigawan daw si Ria nung first referee.”
Generika import Darlene Ramdin tied things up at 24-24 but Kierra Holst answered with an off-the-block kill to give RC Cola Army a 25-24 lead.
Holst led the Lady Troopers with 21 points while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Honey Rose Tubino added 17 and 12 points, respectively.
Polina Liutikova had 18 points to lead the Lifesavers, who dropped to 0-6, while Shaya Adorador and Ramdin combined for 28.