Import-less Air Force outlasts Pocari Sweat in V-League

MANILA, Philippines – In the rematch of last Open Conference's finals, Philippine Air Force emerged on top despite fielding an all-Filipino lineup against Pocari Sweat.

The Jet Spikers earned a hard-earned five-set win against the Sweat Lady Warriors, 25-20, 22-25, 25-7, 22-25, 15-12 Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Lady Warriors fell even with American imports Bree Mackie and Andrea Kacsits.

"Malaking challenge talaga sa amin kasi wala kaming import. So talagang doble kayod kami," Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez said.

Mackie and Kacsits combined for Pocari's 28 points. However, four Jet Spikers finished in double-digits.

May Ann Pantino and Jocemer Tapic produced 17 points each. Judy Caballejo and Joy Cases added 14 and 13, respectively.

Jimenez said that revenge was not in their minds coming into the game.

"Wala naman gigil. Basta nilaro lang nila 'yun. Pagdating ng fifth set, kung sino bumitaw, talo. Buti kumapit kami, muntik na nga eh," he said.

Though they were victorious, Jimenez said Pocari's imports should not be taken lightly.

"Malakas yung imports, siguro hindi pa nagje-jell," he said.