Lady Warriors repel Perlas for joint 2nd

MANILA, Philippines -  Defending champion Pocari Sweat roared to its second straight win after back-to-back setbacks, trouncing Perlas, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19, to move to joint second in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Myla Pablo banged away 13 hits while Elaine Kasilag and Jeanette Panaga added 12 markers apiece as the Lady Warriors tied their victims at 2-2 behind the unbeaten BaliPure Water Defenders (3-0).

The Lady Warriors pounced on the Perlas Spikers’ sloppy service reception, scoring 11 aces, including three by Gyzelle Sy, while imposing their strength on the net, producing 36 attack points, 14 more than their rivals.

Pocari Sweat nearly squandered a 16-11 edge in the third set as Sasa Devanadera keyed the Spikers’ fightback on back-to-back hits to threaten at 17-18. But Panaga, Kasilag and Myla Pablo combined for a closing 7-2 tear to complete the 66-minute romp for Pocari.

“The players have better communication now. There was also marked improvement in our reception,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella. “Everybody is chipping in in terms of leadership which we lacked in our first game.”

Maricar Nepomuceno also came up with 10 points for the Lady Warriors with Sy putting up all but one of the team’s 32 excellent sets.

Dzi Gervacio scored eight points while Amy Ahomiro struggled for five and Jem Ferrer had four markers for Perlas.

Earlier, Cignal TV Inc. foiled Café Lupe, 23-25, 25-19, 25-6, 25-23, to join Sta. Elena and Army in the lead of the men’s tournament in the league backed by Mikasa and Asics.

The HD Spikers actually overpowered the Sunrisers, 60-34, in attack points but needed to toughen up after yielding the opening frame with five players churning out double-digit scores, including 16 by Lorenzo Capate.

Café Lupe, which drew a combined 25-hit output from Jahir Ebrahim and Joshua Barrica, dropped to 0-3.