Sta. Lucia finally snapped its 10-game losing streak as it pulled off a 25-17, 25-19, 31-29 win over Marinerang Pilipina in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Veterans Amanda Villanueva and Pam Lastimosa led the charge for the Lady Realtors, who had to deploy bench player Glaudine Troncoso in the crucial stretch of the third set to complete the victory in this prestigious women’s club tournament bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport.
Villanueva delivered nine kills and four blocks for 13 points while Lastimosa chipped in 11 points and 10 digs for Sta. Lucia, whose first—and only —victory came at the expense of the Lady Skippers in the opening day.
But it was Troncoso, who was fielded only in the latter part of the third set, who kept the Lady Realtors afloat as she delivered the killer blows amid a furious rally waged by the Lady Skippers.
“I want to acknowledge my players who went through a lot of losses, but didn’t give up,” said Sta. Lucia coach Babes Castillo, whose wards improved to 2-10 win-loss card.
“We wanted to solve it and find a way to stop our losing streak. In fact, we really wanted to win in straight sets. They showed their composure in this game.”
After taking control of the first two sets, Sta. Lucia squandered a 23-20 lead from Troncoso’s back-to-back attacks as Judith Abil and Chiara Permentilla lifted Marinerang Pilipina at set point, 25-24.
The Lady Realtors reached four match points only for their errors that kept the Lady Skippers forcing deuces until Troncoso scored her eighth point for a 30-29 lead followed by Abil’s attack error.
Marinerang Pilipina head coach Ron Dulay challenged a block touch, but it was clear that Abil’s attack was too long.
Abil had 13 points laced with 13 digs and seven excellent receptions while Permentilla added 10 markers only for the Lady Skippers, who remain winless in nine starts.