Michele Gumabao gets her redemption with big game against F2 Logistics
Michele Gumabao soared for the Cools Smashers in the fourth set. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Michele Gumabao was determined to redeem herself from Creamline’s previous loss to F2 Logistics and the veteran opposite spiker picked the perfect time to get the job done.
With a lot more riding in the game this time, Gumabao scored eight of her total 20 points in the fourth set to deliver Creamline’s first win over F2 Logistics, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, in Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Article continues after this advertisementGumabao committed costly errors in the fifth set of their elimination round match last month.
“Of course, I wanted to make up [for my mistakes] from that previous game,” said Gumabao in Filipino after finishing with 20 points built on 19 attacks.
“That last game had a big impact on me. I wanted to bounce back for my teammates. My mindset was to redeem ourselves. I started a bit shaky but the trust of my teammates and coaches was always there. It’s a big boost for me. I just have to try and try until you succeed,” she added.
Article continues after this advertisementWATCH: Volleyball player Michele Gumabao talks to the press following Creamline's victory over F2 Logistics. #PVLAFC2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/za3G6zvXP9
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In their first two games against F2 Logistics, Creamline collapsed in five sets both times.
But in the more important match that pushed them closer to a Finals return, the Cool Smashers triumphed in a game without two of the best spikers from both teams with Alyssa Valdez out with a right knee injury and F2 Logistics newest star Myla Pablowith nagging injuries.
“Better late than never,” said Gumabao. “Good thing it happened here in the semis. But coach always tells us to focus on our own team, not our opponents.”
“There are still lapses and errors that we are trying to overcome. That’s what we have to work on in our practice before our next game.”
Gumabao seeks to sustain their hunger when the Cool Smashers try to end the series against the Cargo Movers in Game 2 on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We will keep on working. In the last stretch of the tournament, there is no rest and we will need to keep on grinding starting in practice, listening to the instruction and scouting report our coaches. and for us, we have to execute right,” Gumabao said.
