MANILA – Quezon Tangerines went on a huge run in the fifth set to defeat Biñan Tatak Gel 1-Pacman Partylist Volley Angels, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 17-15, in Game 1 of the MPVA Season 2024 Finals on Monday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Mycah Go finished the match with 14 points, built on 12 attacks, one block, and one service ace, as the Tangerines moved closer to coronation with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Leading 16-10 in the fourth sets, the Huskers were surprised by a huge uprising by the Volley Angels courtesy of Mary Ann Nuique and Erika Jin Deloria to force a fifth and deciding set.
The Volley Angels continued their momentum in fifth set with a 12-6 advantage after a connection from Deloria, but the Huskers stormed their way back behind Go as they reached match point at 15-14.
Biñan tied the score for the last time at 15-all on a powerful hit from Deloria, but Quezon surged ahead anew at 16-15 on a conversion by Cristy Ondangan before they completed the comeback win on a block by Mary Grace Borromeo.
“Nakita nyo naman nung fourth set, lamang kami pero natalo pa din kami, so ‘yun lang din ang iniisip namin nung fifth set nung sinabi ni coach (Jerry Yee) na wala namang mali kung lalaban kami,” Go said in a post-game interview.
“Madami pa kaming kailangang i-improve eh, kita naman sa laro na hinayaan namin silang lumayo, ‘yun ‘yung kailangan naming i-work on,” added the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers standout.
The Tangerines can secure their first MPVA championship in Game 2 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation claimed the bronze medal after a 25-21, 25-19, 25-22 victory over the Bacoor City Lady Strikers. Johnna Dolorito was named Player of the Game with 13 points./PN
