Mane ’N Tail derails Generika

MANILA, Philippines - Mane ‘N Tail pounced on Generika’s listless game and pounded out a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 victory yesterday in the 2014 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Import Kristy Jaeckel fired 26 hits and drew a solid backup from the locals on the defensive end as the Lady Stallions posted their second win in the women’s division of the inter-club tournament organized by Sports Core.

Jaeckel punched in 22 kills and made three aces while Lilet Mabbayad and Michiko Castaneda provided the defensive spunk, throwing prolific Russian import Natalia Korobkova and the entire Life Savers off their comfort zone from the start.

Mabbayad and Castaneda had six points apiece as well as American Kaylee Manns, who played an all-around game that frustrated the Life Savers all game long.

“It was a total team effort,” said Mane ‘N Tail coach Francis Vicente. “Kristy wasn’t forced to score too much because our locals stepped up, especially on defense.”

With the Lady Stallions firming up their net and floor defense, the Life Savers failed to execute their play patterrns, prompting Generika coach Ramil de Jesus to pull out Japanese setter Miyu Shinohara and give May Macatuno a chance to set up the plays.

But Generika’s gamble didn’t pay off as Jaeckel asserted her might on the attack, giving the Lady Stallions a huge 23-18 edge in the third set en route to the victory.

“They were so predictable with their Japanese setter,” Vicente said. “That’s why I told them to go all out and pounce the defense. When they changed their setter, they were unfortunate because Kristy was in the attack zone to score in bunches.”

The tournament is backed by Air 21, My Phone, Via Mare, Mikasa, Mueller Sports Medicine, Healthway Medical, Generika Drugstore, LGR and Jinling Sports.

Korobkova finished with 12 points while Abby Marano chipped in 10 for the Life Savers, who fell to their third loss in three starts entering the second round of the double-round eliminations.