MANILA – Negros ICC Blue Hawks manhandled Biñan Tatak Gel I Am Worldwide in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-14, to close the elimination round of the MPVA on Thursday night at the University of Perpetual Help Gym in Las Pinas City.
Ma. Audrei Pagayanan top-scored with 14 points, on eight attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, for the Blue Hawks, which ended the double-round eliminations on top with 9-1 win-loss slate.
Angel Mae Habacon contributed 11 markers, while Gabrielle Andrea Bernal ended with 10 markers for the Blue Hawks, which will have a twice-to-beat advantage over the No. 8 ranked team.
“Sa team po talaga namin, kapag may nai-injured na player is nagiging opportunity para dun sa mga players na hindi masyado nagagamit na mag-step up,” Pagayanan said in a post-game interview.
“Heading into the playoffs, mas paghahandaan pa namin ‘yung mga makakalaban namin. Magfo-focus kami sa blockings kasi ‘yun talaga ang main weapon namin sa team,” she added.
Jorelle Singh, who scored 31 points during Biñan’s previous match, was held to just eight points, while Shiela Cecilio also ended up with eight markers as they dropped to 3-7 record.
Marikina Lady Shoemasters gained significant momentum heading into the playoffs after a 25-20, 25-22, 17-25, 26-24 victory over the Bacoor City Strikers Metro Land Builders Corp.
Mary Joy Onofre led the way with 19 points on 13 attacks and six blocks, while Justine Rebleza and Shannen Palec added 13 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Lady Shoemasters.
The Lady Shoemasters’ impressive win improved them to a 4-6 win-loss slate, as they will head to the quarterfinals as the No. 5 seed team and will have a twice-to-win disadvantage over the No. 4 ranked Nasipit Agusan del Norte Lady Spikers.
The Strikers, which missed the services of star hitter Mary Rhose Dapol, dropped to the No. 3 spot with a 6-4 record and will have a twice-to-beat advantage over the No. 6 seed squad./PN
