MOTOLITE edged Pacifictown-Army, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-10, for its fourth straight victory in the PVL Open Conference on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.
The stars of University of the Philippines came to the rescue in the fifth set to extend Motolite’s winning streak to four after its opening-day loss.
Lady Maroons Tots Carlos, Isa Molde, Marist Layug and Aie Gannaban built a 5-1 fifth set start that led to an 8-4 cushion for Motolite.
Coach Godfrey Okumu and Fil-Am setter Iris Tolenada were slapped with yellow cards for continuous complaining on a non-call on an apparent error by Army setter Alina Bicar. But momentum stayed with Motolite’s side with Myla Pablo scoring a pair of attacks for a 12-8 breather before Molde nailed the back-to-back winning attacks to finish the match in two hours and 14 minutes.
“A win is a win but we won struggling. The fourth set, at some point, we thought that we had it but they (Army) came back strongly,” said Okumu as Motolite is now at second place behind unbeaten leader Creamline (6-0).
“I’m happy that our team played well and followed instructions,” the Kenyan coach added.
Pablo scored 24 points to lead all scorers. Molde delivered 19 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Carlos had 14 markers laced with 17 digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Jovelyn Gonzaga had 19 points and 20 digs, Royse Tubino scored 16 for the Lady Troopers.
Nene Bautista and Lut Malaluan had nine markers each, while Ging Balse-Pabayo added eight.
Pacifictown-Army suffered back-to-back losses for a 2-2 card.
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