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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pocari Sweat and Air Force battle for supremacy

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WHAT happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?

Expect an explosive battle when the sheer offensive might and defense at the net of the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors go up against the all-around floor defense and tenacity of the veterans of Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers during the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Finals.

It will be a battle of contrasting offensive styles as well as temperament and composure when the two teams clash.

Lutgarda Malaluan (16) of Pocari Sweat blasts in a kill against BaliPureís Alyssa Valdez (2) and Janine Marciano during Game Two of their Final Four duel in the Shakeyís V-League Season 13 Open Conference Saturday.

Michele Gumabao led the Lady Warriors past the Bali Pure Water Defenders in a Final Four duel that went the distance.

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In Game 3 of their semifinal battle the Lady Warriors beat the Purest Water Defenders in four sets, 15-25, 27-25, 25-11, 25-23, to arrange the showdown against Philippine Air Force in the Finals.

While Air Force breezed past the Laoag Power Smashers in two games in their own Final Four playoff  Pocari Sweat had to come from behind to scramble past Bali Pure in a duel that went the distance.

Team captain Gumabao, as well as lead spiker Myla Pablo insists that the determined challenge provided by Bali Pure made Pocari Sweat a tougher, more determined team.

Gumabao, the former De La Salle University star middle blocker, said that Pocari Sweat’s struggle against Bali Pure not only toughened her team it also gave them a chance to see the holes in their game.

Air Forceís May Ann Pantino (6) hammers in a kill against Laoagís blockers Katherine Villegas (12) and Mylene Paat (4) during Game 2 of their Shakeyís V-League Final Four duel at The Arena.

A champion team in the Philippine Super Liga as Philips Gold it remains to be seen whether Pocari Sweat can achieve the same success in the Shakey’s V-League, the league where it all started.

Facing the Lady Warriors in the finals is a veteran laden Air Force squad which has already gained its best finish in the Shakey’s V-League after toiling fruitlessly in the league that started it all for almost a decade.

Air Force swept an equally tough Laoag side to gain their first finals appearance in league competition. The squad leaned on their veteran spikers Judy Ann Caballejo and Joy Cases who always find ways to score.

Air Force does not have a marquee standout player. But the team parades the most well-coordinated, self-sacrificing group of players in Jocemer Tapic, Mae Antipuesto, May Ann Pantino, Wendy Ann Semana and Iari Yongco.

Lutgarda Malaluan (16) and Michelle Gumabao of Pocari Sweat (7) put up a double block against Bali Pureís Alyssa Valdez (2) during their Final Four duel in the Shakeyís V-League Season 13 Open Conference.

While all the attention has been on the glamor match-up between the Ateneo-powered Bali Pure Water Defenders and the La Salle-infused Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors. The Lady Jet Spikers have flown through to the finals sans fanfare.

Air Force took a leave of absence after a disappointing fourth place finish in the 2014 Shakey’s V-League Open Conference. They’ve come back in triumph this conference.

Air Force coach Jeffrey Jimenez is confident that his team has what it takes to win it all. He knows his players will step up their game to win their first-ever Shakey’s V-League championship.

Air Force meets Pocari Sweat in Game 1 of the Finals on July 13 at the  Philsports Arena.

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