With a quick snap of her wrists, Kannika Thipachot completed a great escape by Power Smashers Tuesday night.
The Thai reinforcement led the Power Smashers’ climb from two sets to none down to snatch a 24-26, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-13 victory over defending champion Pocari Sweat and stay in the running in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals.
The Power Smashers thus extended the best-of-three contest to a no-tomorrow Game 3 which will be played on Thursday also at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
A former member of Thailand’s national team, the 24-year-old Thipachot scored 28 points for the Power Smashers, who chipped away at the complacent Lady Warriors to force the fifth set.
With momentum shifting to the Power Smashers in the deciding set, Myla Pablo and import Michelle Strizak tried to close out their rivals and pushed the Lady Warriors to within 10-11.
A long exchange ensued and with the score tied at 13, Regine Arocha nailed the go-ahead spike for match point.
And just when Pocari was looking for opportunity to pounce, Thipachot pushed a weak return into an unmanned spot inside Pocari’s yard for the stunning winner.
Power Smashers coach Nestor Pamilar lauded his wards for not giving up in the face of the rampaging Lady Warriors, who won Game 1 (25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 15-12).
“That shows how much my players wanted to win and be in the finals,” said Pamilar. “Now we are expecting another tight Game 3 and whoever wants it more will prevail.”