Power Pinays enter top 12 in Asian volleyball tourney

MANILA, Philippines – After three straight setbacks, the Power Pinays have found the right formula as they snatched back-to-back wins in the 17th Asian Seniors Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand.

The national women’s volleyball team on Tuesday night easily disposed of Myanmar in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, to march towards the 9th to 12th classification games.

Aiza Maizo once again spearheaded the squad with 11 points, including three straight crucial attacks in the third set, while NCAA standouts Honey Royse Tubino and Joy Benito combined for 21 markers.

Maizo rose to the occasion as she thumped an off the block attack, followed by a crosscourt hit and went off speed to put the Philippines in the forefront, 19-15, after the momentum swung to the opponent as Myanmar posted its biggest lead in the match, 14-11.

Skipper Angeli Tabaquero was overwhelmed by the win following a five-setter victory against Sri Lanka, 19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 15-11, on Monday.

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“Sobrang saya!” said Tabaquero, who put the nail in the coffin with her attack. “Ang isang panalo, achievement na dahil bago kaming team. Tapos naka-dalawa pa, three sets pa.”

The Nationals are assured of at least a 12th or 9th spot at the highest, a huge leap from their current rank at 16th.

Head coach Nes Pamilar thought that her squad already reached their goal.

“Sa tingin ko, ngayong pasok na tayo sa top 12, mission accomplished tayo diyan,” he said.

This is the first time in eight years that the Philippines sent a team in an international competition.

“Ang taas nung pressure nung una. Pero kami, trabaho lang,” said Pamilar, who formerly handled the Far Eastern University women’s team. “Ang tanging pananagutan namin eh magdala ng karangalan sa bansa.”