JEWEL Encarnacion vowed that Galeries Tower didn’t come this far in its first PVL playoffs appearance just to get this far.
And it wasn’t any qualifying-round hangover from their upset win over Cignal that cost them a two sets to one lead to Akari in their quarterfinals opener.
READ: Lacsina, Soyud take charge as Akari moves a win away from semis
“Hindi na siya overwhelming kasi tapos na kami du’n. Siguro nung nanalo kami against Cignal, naramdaman namin na halos lahat, heightened yung emotions,” said Encarnacion.
“Matagal naman yung naging preparations so naka-focus kami na Akari na yung kakalabanin namin.”
What did go wrong for Galeries Tower was how they were out-witted on defense as they allowed 67 attacks, eight blocks and four aces to land from Akari.
“At some point, nawala kami sa system. Nagkakaroon kami ng konting butas sa defense, hindi kami synchronized, hindi naka-align yung blockings namin sa defense sa likod. Isa yun sa kung saan kami nagkulang this game,” the Highrisers rookie said.
In the past few conferences, wins were a rarity for Galeries Tower — let alone a playoff berth.
They were able to force five-setters against powerhouse teams in last year’s Reinforced Conference. But it was the same issue that's hounding them now - finishing their promising starts.
In five days’ time, Encarnacion hopes it’ll be them who’ll reach the finish line first and not the other way around to force a rubber match for a historic semifinals berth.
“May regrets kami nang konti kasi we could’ve done better pero ni-remind naman ng ates na hindi siya totally panget yung laro since umabot nga kami ng five sets,” said Encarnacion.
“Pinigilan lang nila kami agad na mag-succumb sa disappointment at mga negative emotions. Nag-go agad kami na bumawi agad kami at focus sa next game.”
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