Lady Eagles repulse Warriors in PVL shocker

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo-Motolite edged Pocari Sweat-Air Force, 25-23, 17-25, 25-20, 30-28, in a thrilling finish to kick off its campaign in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference at the Imus Sports Complex in Cavite yesterday.

Kim Gequillana swung a down-the-line hit to force a 28-all count in the fourth set then Kat Tolentino denied Myla Pablo and Bea de Leon soared for a quick kill as the Lady Eagles closed the match on a 3-0 run after blowing a 21-16 lead and two match points at 26-25 and 27-26.

Tolentino finished with 19 points built on 13 attacks, four blocks and two aces she complemented with 10 digs, De Leon turned in 12 points, Gequillana scored nine while rookie Vanessa Gandler also had nine points she spiked with 14 excellent receptions.

Pablo erupted with 30 points while Jeanette Panaga came up with 16 markers for the veteran but erratic Lady Warriors who stumbled on 36 errors, 16 more than the rookie-laden Lady Eagles.

Pablo powered Pocari Sweat-Air Force in a four-point swing to close within one, 20-21, in the fourth then Panaga and May Ann Pantino picked it up from there to grab two set points, 24-23, 25-24.

Momentum, however, swung to Ateneo-Motolite side on a net touch violation by Pocari Sweat-Air Force followed by an ace by rookie Vanessa Gandler for the first match point, 26-25.

Tolentino slammed her attack into the net but Maddie Madayag countered for the second match point, 27-26, which was saved anew by Pablo’s down-the-line hit and a combination play to fan the Lady Warriors’ hopes at 27-28.

“We’re already preparing for the fifth set but the players refused to lose. They stepped up and I really thank them,” said Almadro, who also drew a big game from rookie Jaja Maraguinot.

Pablo rallied the Lady Warriors from 10-15 down in the fourth with her power hits, the last shoving Pocari to a 28-27 lead in the fourth. But the Lady Eagles refused to give up with de Leon forcing another extension with her own kill.