MJ Phillips scored 22 points to power Sta. Lucia to a 25-23, 25-22, 25-23, on Saturday in the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Arena in San Juan.
Celebrating her 24th birthday, Phillips nailed the big blows, posting 21 kills and finishing with 22 points and 16 digs for a huge opening win for the Lady Realtors.
Team captain Pam Lastimosa and Amanda Villanueva had 11 points apiece, while Rachel Austero added 10 markers, including the game-winning spike that capped their 5-0 run from 20-23 down in the third set.
“We’ll take it although hindi pa siya gaanong perfect but I think the team needs this win. It’s definitely a good start,” said Sta. Lucia coach Babes Castillo.
“In a bad way ayaw mo ng ganoong sitwasyon but in a good way, gusto mo nun na maovercome nila and madevelop yung response nila sa sitwasyon.”
Castillo also lauded Rebecca Rivera, who had 24 excellent sets and kept the team together in crunch time.
“Rebecca was the one who anchored our team together. My teams needs an anchor and lumabas si Becca. That’s a good thing,” he said.
Cesca Racrquin led Marinerang Pilipina with 12 points, 21 digs and nine excellent receptions, Judith Abil scored 11 and Dimdim Pacres added 10.