Generika-Ayala struggles past Smart in Grand Prix

Angeli-Araneta of Generika-Ayala vs La Raine Fabay and Genie Sabas of Smart. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

IMUS CITY—Generika-Ayala threaded the eye of a needle before eking out a thrilling 25-21, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 15-11 victory over Smart in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix Tuesday at Imus Sports Center here.

Darlene Ramdin came through with crucial hits before watching the Giga Hitters crumble under pressure to tow the Lifesavers to their first win in the club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and Rebisco with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

A returning import from Trinidad and Tobago, Ramdin erupted for 23 kills and three blocks for 26 points while American Symone Hayden chipped in 21 points for the Lifesavers, who needed two hours and nine minutes to overcome the tough Smart squad that was spearheaded by the prolific Gyselle Silva.

Silva, the hard-hitting former Cuban national player, was again in deadly form as she posted 30 kills and three aces for a conference-high 35 points while Trivunovic added 22 hits for the upset-conscious Giga Hitters.

But Silva’s effort went for naught as the locals failed to provide enough support, especially in the deciding set where Ramdin and the Lifesavers went for the kill.

“I just told them not to get pressured. Just follow the instruction and treat this match as if this is just a practice game,” said Generika-Ayala coach Sherwin Meneses shortly after posting his first victory in the league.