Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Pocari Sweat made mincemeat out of fan favorite Bureau of Customs, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, to take the first match in the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Substite Elaine Kasilag put an end to the Transformer’s misery with a bullet of a crosscourt kill, her lone point in the match, to give the Lady Warriors the advantage in the three-game series.
Lady Warriors head coach Rommel Abella never expected Customs to yield in three sets but they had the vision they would be coming out on top in their first meeting.
“We expected to win but not in three sets kasi lalaban at lalaban ang Customs,” said Abella. “Sa preparation namin these past few days, yung fire makikita mo sa players kaya yung win, I expected it, four sets maybe but we’ll take it.”
Abella added their three-set sweep would be a major confidence-booster for the team.
“Big boost sa confidence ng team and for sure yung players masayang masaya and masaya kaming coaches sa effort na binigay nila.”
Alyssa Valdez, arguably the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines, managed just 12 points in the loss, a team-high, to lead the Transformers.
Mihele Gumabao and Breanna Mackie led the Lady Warriors with 13 points apiece.
Pocari enjoyed the 26 free points Customs gave away due to its errors while the Lady Warriors complimented it with 15 points off blocks.