AirAsia back to form in Superliga, turns back PLDT

MANILA, Philippines - AirAsia came back strong to trounce PLDT Home TVolution, 24-26, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, yesterday and regain its winning ways in the PLDT Home-Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference volleyball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome.

With skipper Cha Cruz taking charge, the Flying Spikers unleashed a strong finishing kick to turn back the Power Attackers and arrest a two-game skid in the women’s division. Cruz delivered 14 kills, four blocks and an ace to finish with 19 points.

Young setter May Macatuno, meanwhile, made 27 excellent sets to help carry AirAsia to victory before the league takes a break to give way to the Cagayan Friendship Games next week.

The Flying Spikers will wrap up their first round assignment against unbeaten Petron on July 5 when the league, organized by Sports Core with Solar Sports as official broadcast partner, flies to Cebu for its first out-of-town game.

AirAsia is now at solo third with a 3-2 win-loss slate, just within striking distance of the Blaze Spikers (3-0) and RC Cola-Air Force (3-1) in the event supported by PLDT Home DSL and backed by Mikasa, Asics, Mueller Tapes, Jinling Sports Equipment, LGR, Bench and Healthway Medical.

“This win is very important for the team as we head to the next round,” said AirAsia coach Ramil de Jesus.

The Flying Spikers posted a season-high 18 blocks but made 28 errors.

The Power Attackers, behind former Ateneo ace Charo Soriano, took control in the early going, posting a 22-15 advantage. But the Flying Spikers made a big run to knot the count at 24 only to lose the next two points and the set, 24-26.

Sue Roces tallied 16 hits and 11 digs while Lou Ann Latigay tossed in 11 points for the Power Attackers, who lost back-to-back games and stumbled to fifth spot with a 2-3 mark.