Laoag catches last semis trip

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

UNDER the radar for most of the conference, Team Laoag showed it deserved a Final Four spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference yesterday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Jovielyn Prado, Jessica Galanza and Myleen Paat came through as the Power Smashers arrested a near meltdown against University of the Philippines, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 26-24, to clinch the last semifinal berth in the knockout battle on the final day of eliminations.

“We needed this win and we had to help each other out,” said Prado, who led the Power Smashers with 23 points.

Just when the Power Smashers looked ready to wrap up the game, 24-20, the Lady Maroons impressively saved four match points behind Diana Carlos and Kathy Bersola to tie the fourth set at 24.

But the Power Smashers toughened up just in time as Galanza and Paat’s hits sealed the match.

“I kept telling the team that we have to execute what we’ve been training,” said coach Nes Pamilar after the Power Smashers closed their elimination run with a 4-3 record.

Paat tossed in 14 points, while Galanza chipped in 13 for the Power Smashers.

The Lady Maroons bowed out with 3-4 slate, falling a win short of their bid to sweep their last three assignments to advance to the next round.
Pocari Sweat and Bali Pure, which were disputing the No. 1 spot at press time, and Air Force have earlier advanced to the Final Four round which starts tomorrow.

In men’s action, Cignal drubbed Sta. Elena, 25-23, 25-19, 25-21, to complete a 5-0 sweep of the elimination round in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.