MANILA – Negros ICC Blue Hawks overcame a tough challenge from Marikina City Lady Shoemasters before pulling off a 14-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 15-12 win over the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Angel Mae Habacon spearheaded the offense with 21 points, all coming from the attacks department, to be named Player of the Game anew for the streaking Blue Hawks.
According to the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers standout, there was a huge adjustment for them in the game as head coach Edgar Barroga opted to try his other players in the lineup.
“Malaking adjustment para sa lahat na nagbago ‘yung rotation namin, pero hindi naman sila nag-fail kahit na medyo slow start kami. Malaking tulong din sila para sa panalo namin,” Habacon said.
The Blue Hawks were staring at a 9-12 deficit midway through the fifth set, but two net violations by the Lady Shoemasters, followed by a block from Habacon, knotted the score at 12-all.
The Blue Hawks extended their run as Habacon scored an attack point, followed by a service ace, and then sealed their come-from-behind victory by blocking the Lady Shoemasters’ attack.
Andrea Caparal backed up Habacon offensively with 16 points, while Christine Joy Apan contributed 12 markers as the Blue Hawks notched their sixth consecutive victory for a 7-1 win-loss slate.
The Blue Hawks will look to extend their winning run this Sunday when they face Bacoor City Strikers Metro Land Builders Corp., which came from a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 15-10 victory over Biñan Tatak Gel I Am Worldwide.
Ilongga Shannen Palec and Mary Joy Onofre finished with 18 points apiece, while Justine Rebleza added 15 markers as the Lady Shoemasters dropped to a 3-5 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Negrense Patty Jane Orendain finished with 23 points as San Juan Lady Knights Go For Gold (3-6) pulled off a massive 21-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11 upset over Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers (7-2)./PN
