Pocari Sweat still formidable despite absence of stars

FILE – Pocari Sweat celebrates win against National University. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Pocari Sweat coach Rommel Abella isn’t too concerned about the absence of his top hitters in Michele Gumabao and Myla Pablo.

Not even if the two could also sit out the Lady Warriors’ game against a formidable Bali Pure side, which is already playing at full strength with the return of superstar Alyssa Valdez.

“We’re still waiting for the doctor’s confirmation on whether they’ll be able to play on Saturday,” said Abella, whose squad formally entered the semifinals with a four-set victory over Iriga City on Saturday.

“Our players are very capable of winning. I believe in them.”

Abella has every reason to feel confident as Pocari Sweat remains the only undefeated team in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference despite missing the services of Gumabao and Pablo due to injuries.

Gumabao is dealing with abdominal pain while Pablo is sidelined with a hurting back.

Abella said there is no timeframe yet on when Gumabao and Pablo will return to the court although the two have already started doing light workout.

“They’re players so they will always say they can play, but we’re taking their cases seriously so it’s a precautionary measure,” he said. “We’re really just waiting for the doctor’s advise to make sure that the two are really free from any injury.”

Abella isn’t rushing trying to get Gumabao and Pablo back with the Lady Warriors able to find fillers for their ailing stars.

Elaine Kalisag scored a game-high 17 points while Kai Nepomuceno, Lutgarda Malaluan and Rossan Fajardo each finishing with 12 points to power Pocari Sweat to its fifth win in as many games.