Maizo lifts Power Pinays over Sri Lankans in Asian volleyball tiff

MANILA, Philippines – The national women’s volleyball team snapped a three-game skid after hacking out a five-setter victory over Sri Lanka,  19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 15-11, in the 17th Asian Seniors Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand Monday night.

University of Santo Tomas alumni Aiza Maizo and Angeli Tabaquero lifted the Power Pinays with their brilliant output to give the Philippines, currently ranked 16th, a crack at the 9th to 12th positions.

“Pag nanalo tayo sa Myanmar bukas, lalaban tayo for placing,” head coach Nes Pamilar explained. “If we win that, we have a chance to place 9th as highest possible and 12th sa lowest.”

Maizo led the nationals with 22 points, 16 from attacks, with five blocks and an ace, while skipper Tabaquero, Joy Benito and Honey Royse Tubino provided solid support with 19, 11, and 10 markers, respectively.

Despite losing three straight games against, India, Iran and powerhouse China, the Power Pinays didn’t lose their focus coming to the Monday’s match.

Behind by six points in the final set, 9-11, Maizo took charge by scoring three in a 6-0 blast, including the dagger, to snatch the win against the 13th ranked Sri Lankans.

“Siyempre sa dami ng nagda-doubt sa kakayahan nung team, masaya na naka-panalo kami,” said Maizo, who seemed disappointed by the support they’re getting. “Hindi madali lumaban kung pati kababayan mo dina-down ka. Pero laban, sige lang nang sige!”

The Power Pinays will face Myanmar Tuesday.