By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Tomorrow
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
5 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Cignal
7 p.m. – Petron vs Foton
Veteran Joanne Bunag preserved the game-long brilliance of skipper Michelle Gumabao with big hits down the stretch as Cocolife outlasted Generika-Ayala, 25-18, 25-22, 17-25, 19-25, 15-10, in a thrilling duel last night in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference qualification round at the City of Imus Sports Complex.
After taking the first two sets, the Asset Managers slowed down in the face of the Lifesavers’ renewed charge in the next two frames but regained their bearings in the decisive set, with Bunag mainly backing up the prolific Gumabao.
The 5-foot-10 Gumabao, a one-time UAAP MVP winner, dished out her finest performance this season with 27 points, highlighted by 22 attacks, but it was the evergreen Bunag who delivered the killer blows in the crunch that enabled Cocolife to foil Generika-Ayala’s fightback.
“I’m so happy because team effort talaga ang nagpanalo sa amin. We wanted it more. And I’m so proud of my teammates,” said Gumabao, a former La Salle star who spiked her impressive showing with three service aces and two blocks.
The hard-earned victory helped Cocolife ease the pain of a straight-set loss to Cignal in their knockout semifinals duel last week.
It also put them on track for a fifth-place finish in the club tourney.
Up next for the Asset Managers is the winner of the other classification phase matchup pitting Sta. Lucia and Cherylume which is being played at presstime.
