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[av_heading heading=’Gonzaga leads Lady Troopers vs Generika’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers opened its 2016 Asics Philippine Superliga Grand Prix campaign with a 25-17, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19 win over the Generika Life Savers on Tuesday night at the San Juan Arena.
Guimaras-native Jovelyn Gonzaga led the way with 14 points, including 12 attacks, for the Lady Troopers, which moved up to second place in the standings with a 1-0 slate to tie with defending champion Foton Tornadoes.
Reinforcement Hailie Ripley chipped in 13 markers, while Honey Royce Tubino contributed 12 points for the Lady Troopers, which survived another injury scare from star Rachel Anne Daquis.
Both teams had a tight exchange early in the opening set with the Lady Troopers holding on to a 16-12 lead, but the Lady Troopers suddenly surged to a 22-16 edge behind Gonzaga and Ripley before finishing it off with hits from Daquis.
After dropping the second set, the Lady Troopers bounced back in the third frame with a 16-9 lead. Despite Daquis’ close call, the Lady Troopers still went on to take the set behind hits from Gonzaga, Tubino and Ripley.
The Lady Troopers remained strong in the fourth set as it built a 13-5 lead courtesy of Ripley and Lutgarda Malaluan. Despite a mini-run by the Life Savers, the Lady Troopers still cruised to the win on late hits by Gonzaga and Ripley.
“Malaking tulong ‘yung mga imports sa amin kasi kahit wala pa sila sa playing modem nandoon pa rin ang skills nila,” said Lady Troopers head coach Emilio Reyes. “Kahit nadagdagan kami, ganoon pa din ang sistema ng Army.”
Polina Liutikova finished with 15 points, on 11 attacks and two service aces, while Marivic Meneses finished with 10 markers for the Lifesavers, which swallowed its second consecutive setback./PN
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