Lady Warriors outlast jet spikers in five sets

Defending champion Pocari Sweat bucked Air Force’s fightback in the decider to hack out a come-from-behind 21-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-14, 15-10 win at the start of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals on Saturday.

Michelle Strizak fired 24 hits while Myla Pablo, returning after a two-game absence due to a back injury, erupted for 28 points as the Lady Warriors drew first blood in the chase for the last two semifinal berths.

BaliPure and Power Smashers clinched the outright slots.

Jeanette Panaga also came through with clutch hits in the fifth set, including a drop that ended a long rally and keep Pocari ahead by four at 11-7.

Air Force tried to fight back at 9-12 but Strizak scored on back-to-back hits.

Earlier in the men’s division, Sta. Lucia swept Army, 25-17,

25-19, 25-21, to join Cignal HD and Air Force in the semifinal round. —CEDELF P. TUPAS