NEWCOMER AirAsia showed it can keep step with the big guns after besting Cagayan Valley in straight sets for a rousing debut in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference Friday at the Astrodome.
Backstopped by former members of UAAP champion team De La Salle, the Flying Spikers got 14 points from Stephanie Mercado and 10 from team captain Cha Cruz to score an emphatic 26-14, 25-19, 27-25 victory.
“(Advantage) na kilala ko na sila,” said AirAsia coach Ramil de'
Jesus, the man responsible for the dominance of the Lady Spikers in the UAAP volleyball tournament.
"Iba 'yung kilala mo na 'yung mga players mo, alam mo na 'yung gagawin na adjustments," he added.
On the verge of winning the match with the score tied at 25-all, Aiza Maizo's outside hit moved AirAsia at match point, before Mercado's attack sealed the victory for the Flying Spikers.
Former UAAP MVP Abi Marano debuted with five points for the Flying Sipkers, who tabbed the La Salle star with the no. 2 overall pick during the first ever PSL Draft.Former San Beda spiker Janine Marciano finished with 12 points for Cagayan, which got 11 and 10, respectively from Angge Tabaquero and Maizo.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
