PSL Invitational: Smart begins bid with quick work of Sta. Lucia

Smart breezed past Sta. Lucia, 25-14, 25-16, 25-23, to open its campaign in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup Monday night at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

A service error from Lady Realtors team captain Pam Lastimosa completed the sweep for the Giga Hitters.

“We were ready beforehand for the all-to-play rule and our team is well-balanced when it comes to attacking,” said Smart head coach Kung Fu Reyes in Filipino.

Smart banked on a strong 10-3 start to pull away for good in the second set.

The Giga Hitters dominated the service department with seven points while the Lady Realtors had only one.

Nene Bautista led all scorers with nine markers while Lutgarda Malaluan added eight.

MJ Phillips had eight points for Sta. Lucia, which sorely missed the services two key players in Jho Maraguinot and Chin Basas.

Maraguinot and Basas did not suit up for the Lady Realtors due to a muscle strain and an ear infection, respectively.

Maraguinot is out for at least three weeks while Basas could play the next game.