Cocolife quiets Smart super import for 1st win

Cocolife survived an explosive performance from Cuban import Gyselle Silva to pull off a 25-20, 25-22, 25-13 victory over Smart in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Tuesday at Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Sara Klisura led the scoring parade, but it was a total team effort for the Asset Managers, who spoiled Smart’s debut.

Klisura delivered 11 kills, two blocks and an ace for 14 points while new recruit Royse Tubino had 10 markers for Cocolife, which logged its first win in three games.

With setter Tina Salak and Klisura employing solid net defense, Silva, Smart’s gem of an import, went quiet in the third set, allowing Cocolife to turn a 15-11 lead into a 20-12 cushion.

Silva, a member of the Cuban national team, had 32 kills in just 77 attempts for 33 points for the Giga Hitters, who are still waiting for the arrival of their second import from Serbia.

“I was impressed,” said Cocolife coach Moro Branislav. “Their Cuban import was very good. But they (Smart) have yet to develop their game so we beat them in three sets. They will surely be back, especially when their second import arrives.”