SEMIS-bound Bureau of Customs escaped past Philippine Air Force, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21, to end its elims campaign in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference on a winning note Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Thai import Kanjana Kuthaisong led the Transformers with 21 points, built on 18 kills.
Alyssa Valdez added 15 and Lilet Mabbayad added 11 for BoC, which marched to its fifth win in seven outings.
“Hindi maganda ang start namin pero buti na lang naka-recover kami ng second hanggang fourth set," said BoC ccoach Sherwin Meneses.
“Today siguro after ilang games nakapag-adjust na rin siya (Kuthaisong) and knowing na ang setter niya (Natthanicha Jaisaen) Thai rin, so it’s easier for her to talk and adjust inside the court,” said Valdez of her teammate.
PAF appeared headed of taking the third set, 23-20, before BoC mounted a comeback and scored five straight points to steal the set.
The Transformers gained momentum entering the fourth and took an, 8-4, lead, before the Jet Spikers tied the contest, 11-11.
BoC then held on and widen the gap, 20-15, en route to the win.
“I think ‘yung gusto ni coach is matuto, ‘yung end goal is to win, but syempre kailangan namin talaga matuto sa game namin today entering the semifinals,” said Valdez.
BoC will wait for the outcome of the Nov. 2 match between Pocari Sweat (5-1) and University of Sto. Tomas (5-1) and BaliPure (4-2) against eliminated Philippine Coast guard to determine which team it will face in the best-of-three Final Four.
May Ann Pantino and Joy Cases made 12 points each for PAF, while Judy Ann Caballejo and Dell Palomata had 10 markers apiece.