ALYSSA Valdez led the way for Smart as it turned back Philippine Air Force, 25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 25-18, in the quarterfinal round of the Shakey's V-League Season 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan
on Sunday.
The Ateneo Lady Eagle came away with 25 points from 18 spikes, two blocks and five service aces for the Net Spikers, while Thai reinforcement Lithawat Kesinee added 18.
After a slip-up in the second set, Smart took control of the third, putting up a 16-9 gap.
In the fourth the Net Spikers did not give for Air Force a chance as they took a 17-8 lead en route to their fifth win in eight games.
"Hirap na hirap kami sa first two sets," admitted Smart coach Roger Gorayeb. "Sa third set na lang kami naka-adjust."
The veteran mentor said that only during V-League matches that he gets a full complement of players because Valdez of Ateneo and Maru Banaticla of UST have academic and beach volleyball duties in the UAAP.
"Actually sa game na lang kami nakaka-adjust ng gagawin namin, as in sa actual situation na doon na lang (nag-aadjust)," he said.
Judy Ann Caballejo led the Air Women with 17 points, while Joy Cases added 11. Air Force dropped to 5-3.
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