DEFENDING champion Pocari Sweat recovered from a sluggish start to beat University of the Philippines, 21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21, on Sunday in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Myla Pablo had 18 points, 13 digs and seven excellent receptions for the Lady Warriors, while Elaine Kasilag and Cai Nepomuceno chipped in 10 each.
Rico de Guzman had a tough start as Pocari Sweat head coach and was relieved the Lady Warriors pulled off the win.
“Nahirapan kami sa UP, unang-una ang opensa nila hindi pa namin ma-block, mabilis sila and ang service nila ubod ng karga so ang mga players ko hindi marecieve ng maayos (ang bola),” said de Guzman.
[See Rico de Guzman promoted Pocari head coach as champion mentor Rommel Abella is moved upstairs]
Jeanette Panaga and Desiree Dadang combined for 15 points for Pocari Sweat, while playmaker Gyzelle Sy had 39 excellent sets and libero Melissa Gohing had 26 digs, 13 excellent receptions and scored two points in the one hour and 49-minute match.
“Unang una natutuwa ako doon sa team, lahat naman ng tinuturo ko ginagawa nila,” said de Guzman.
“Hindi naman ako nahirapan paano hawakan ang team na ’yan and alam ko naman kung ano ang igagalaw ng mga players so kailangan ko lang paikutin ang mga players,” he added.
The Lady Warriors joined opening-day winners Creamline and Air Force on top of the standings.
Diana Carlos led the way for UP with 21 points, while Isa Molde added 13.
The Lady Maroons are on the lower half of the standings with Adamson University and Banko Perlas.
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