PLDT hacks out four-set victory over Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT survived a big scare from Cagayan Valley while RC Cola-Philippine Air Force scored a straight-set win over Cignal to score their first victories in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Power Attackers turned back the Rising Suns, 25-22, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, to bounce back from their dismal debut last Wednesday.

Later, the Air Force Strikers, whose core players just recently bagged the gold in the Philippine National Games, encountered the surprisingly discordant Cignal HD Spikers, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22.

The close, four-set win was a big morale boost for the Power Attackers who have been struggling to get into top shape because most of their players are employed elsewhere and had to divide time to practice.

“Finally we got off with a win, this means a lot because until now we can’t get a good practice schedule as 95 percent of my players have work,” said a relieved Roger Gorayeb, the PLDT coach.

Gorayeb blamed the lack of focus in practice for his players’ stamina. They lost a thrilling five-setter to Petron last week.

“I can’t force them to pour everything in practice in the evening because I knew they came from work that day, and in the morning will still have to report for work,” added Gorayeb.

PLDT fought hard to take the first two sets behind Sue Roces and Maru Banaticla then struggled in the third frame as Cagayan, led by Aiza Maizo and rookie Janine Marciano, avoided a sweep.

“That’s where the lack of stamina comes in, they easily get tired,” said Gorayeb. But Roces got her second wind and Rysabelle Devanadera stepped up as PLDT took charge again in the fourth frame at 18-12.

Roces topscored with 21 points, while Devanadera and Banaticla added 15 and 12 points, respectively. Maizo delivered 17 points for Cagayan, which also drew 14 points from Marciano.