MAIKA Ortiz scored four of RC Cola-Air Force’s last six points as the Raiders came out on top of a see-saw battle against PLDT Home TVolution, 16-25, 25-21, 19-25 , 25-20, 15-12, on Sunday to book the first ticket to the Finals of the Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference at Cuneta Astrodome.
Ortiz finished with 17 markers and Iari Yongco added 12 as RC Cola continued its impressive surge after finishing in the bottom of the standings last conference.
Down by two sets, the Raiders dug themselves out of a 6-11 hole in the fourth to force a decider.
RC Cola then took the early lead in the fifth but stalled and saw themselves trailing, 8-11.
The Raiders committed eight miscues in the extra set, but Ortiz managed to carry the squad in the endgame.
“Si Ortiz umangat 'yung laro niya sa dulo, ang sabi ko lang sa kanila i-set lang ang bola, paluin ng malakas, bahala na kung ma-block mag coverage na lang,” said RC Cola coach Clarence Esteban.
“Basta sinabi ko na lang sa kanila kinuha na natin ang fourth set, panindigan na natin 'to,” he added.
Jennifer Manzano added 11 points and Joy Cases had 10 for the Raiders.
The Raiders took advantage of the rotation when 5-foot-7 PLDT open hitter Sue Roces moved to the back and setter Rubie de Leon was in front, which made it easier for RC Cola to attack at the net.
“Samantalahin na nasa likod si Sue at nasa harap pa si Rubie advantage na kami, instructions ko lang atakihin ng atakihin at atakihin sa mataas," said Esteban.
“Dahil sa momentum at sa defense namin kaya kami nanalo, lahat ng atake nila nakuha namin, ’yung counter attack na tinatawag sa volleyball, kaya ayun nakuha namin,” he added.
Roces finished with 20 points for PLDT, while Lou Ann Latigay added 18 and Sasa Devanadera made 10.
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