Shopinas halts Philips Gold for 2nd Liga win

MANILA, Philippines - Shopinas survived a gritty Philips Gold side and two extended sets, carving out a 25-18, 26-24, 29-27 victory yesterday for its second straight win in the Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball tournament All-Filipino Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

Veteran Michelle Laborte and rookie Kim Dy took charge down the stretch as the Lady Clickers rallied from behind to snatch the third set and complete the straight-set victory.

Laborte unleashed a pair of quick hits while Dy foiled Myla Pablo as Shopinas surged ahead, 28-27, in the third before clinching the win on a Pablo net violation.

Despite Laborte and Dy’s late-game brilliance coupled with Philips Gold’s 34 turnovers, Shopinas coach Ramil de Jesus credited their win on their ability to stop the Lady Slammers’ attackers, especially her former player, Michelle Gumabao.

“I know her weaknesses, and we took advantage of them,” said de Jesus, who won three titles for La Salle in the UAAP with Gumabao on the firing end.

“But I’m happy and proud that Michelle had a very good game. I know she wants to prove something and she wants to show that she is still improving although she’s no longer playing for me. I’m glad that she stepped up on both ends of the floor,” he added

Stephanie Mercado and Cha Cruz finished with nine points apiece while Laborte chipped in eight markers for the Lady Clickers, who held off Mane ‘N Tail in four in Biñan, Laguna last week. 

Gumabao, who left her La Salle teammates after a memorable title run with AirAsia and Generika last year, finished with 12 kills for a total of 13 points.