Air Force sweeps Laoag, draws first blood in V-league semis

MANILA, Philippines – The top seeded Air Force Jet Spikers sealed their first win in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference semifinals after defeating the Laoag Power Smashers, 25-20, 26-24, 26-24, Wednesday, June 29, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan. 

Judy Ann Caballejo, together with Joy Cases, led the scoring for the Jet Spikers with 15 points each. Jocemer Tapic and May Ann Pantino chipped in 13 and 10 markers respectively. 

“Sana magtuluy tuloy. Sana ibigay pa sa amin yung isa for the finals. Lahat naman ng teams, championship ang aim,” said Air Force Coach Jasper Jimenez. 

(I hope this continues. I hope we get the other win for the final. All the teams here aim for championship.) 

Air Force controlled Laoag from start to finish, even managing to come back from a 10-2 deficit in the second set to draw first blood in the best-of-3 semifinals series. 

“Siguro mga beterano na ‘tong mga players ko na ito. Yung confidence level talaga tumataas,” added Jimenez. (My players are veterans. Our confidence level is now higher.) 

The Jet Spikers climbed to first rank as they handed Pocari Sweat their first loss in the season last Monday, June 27 in 4 sets, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-15.

But according to Jimenez, there is no relaxing until they finally hold the championship. 

“Double time padin. Tsaka na kami magpapahinga kapag champion na.” (We’ll still work double time. We’ll only rest when we’re already champions.)

Mylene Paat and Jovielyn Prado scattered 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Laoag Power Smashers. – Rappler.com