MANILA, Philippines – Collapse was no option.
The Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers formalized their first finals appearance in the Shakey's V-League Open Conference after getting rid of the Laoag Power Smashers in a 5-set thriller, 25-14, 25-20, 19-25, 21-25, 15-10, Saturday, July 2, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Judy Ann Caballejo exploded with 23 points, while May Ann Pantino and Joy Cases added 17 and 14 markers, respectively.
The Jet Spikers were ahead by two sets when the Power Smashers suddenly stole the momentum, opening the third set with 10-5.
Laoag breezed through the third and fourth canto to extend the match to a fifth set.
Adamson University standout Gemma Galanza scattered 20 points for the Power Smashers.
Mylene Paat and Jovielyn Prado contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
"Siguro masyadong nagkaroon ng confidence kaya hindi nagtuluy-tuloy," said Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez. (Maybe we were overconfident that's why we almost lost.)
Jimenez admitted that Laoag capitalized on the collapse of their floor defense. But his squad showed grit and heart down the line as veterans Pantino and Caballejo did the work in the deciding set.
Air Force is now looking forward to a finals showdown with either Bali Pure or Pocari Sweat.
"Andito na kami. Kailangan ibigay na namin best namin. Either sa dalawa. Parehong malakas 'yan eh." (We're already here. We need to give it our best. Both teams are strong. We are looking forward to face either of them.) – Rappler.com