Pocari books PVL semis seat, grounds Air Force

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Pocari Sweat took sole possession of second place in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, sucking the air out of Philippine Air Force in three sets, 25-19, 25-20, 29-27, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Myla Pablo closed the chapter for the Lady Warriors with a crippling crosscourt kill that gave Pocari its fifth win in six games and an automatic seat in the semifinals.

Lady Warriors head coach Enrico De Guzman was pleased with how his team played its ground game despite watching the third set get extended.

“My assessment for this game is I saw what I taught them in training,” said De Guzman in Filipino.

“Our first balls were perfect and I really challenged the players to receive the services and not to always rely on the libero.”

Pocari complemented its 45 scoring spikes with superb defense limiting the Lady Jet Spikers to just 27 points off spikes.

Pablo had a game-high 19 points to lead the Lady Warriors while Jeanette Panaga and Elaine Kasilag had 11 points apiece.

Kai Nepomuceno also finished in double figures with 10 points for Pocari.

Iari Yongco and Dell Palomata combined for 16 points to lead the 3-2 Lady Jet Spikers.