MANILA -- Iriga City debuted in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix with a 3-2 victory over Sta. Lucia Realty on Tuesday night.
Powered by Serbian Tamara Kmezic, the Lady Oragons rallied past the Lady Realtors, 15-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-16, 15-13, in their match at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The 6-foot-6 Kmezic registered a conference-high 28 points, including 26 kills, while locals Grethcel Soltones and Japanese import Saama Miyagawa contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
The Lady Oragons banked on Shyrra Cabriana and Kmezic to overhaul a 5-11 deficit and take the lead at 14-11 in the fifth set. Iriga City coach Parley Tupaz said his players were determined to win their first match.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na kung mahina ang loob nyo, talo na tayo. So, dapat lumaban tayo hanggang sa dulo,” said Tupaz during the post-match interview.
“Siguro lucky lang. Pero step by step lang. Ganun talaga eh, since first-timer kami, tingin sa amin mababa lang. Kung sa sundalo, ikaw ang lowest kasi naguumpisa ka pa lang naman," he added.
“Sinabi ko kay (Kmezic) ‘to spike hard.’ Ang laki nya eh. Pero baka naga-adjust pa sya kasi iba naman ang laro ng Asian sa European,” Tupaz further said.
MJ Philips led the Lady Realtors with 21 kills, three blocks and two aces while Canadian import Marisa Field finished with 15 points. (PNA)
