Smart defeats Cocolife for second victory in 2018 PSL All-Filipino Conference

The set scores ended at 26-16, 18-25, 25-20, 23-25, and 15-11. (Photo: Philippine Superliga/Facebook)

It was a cut-throat game, but former National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Gretchel Soltones led the Giga Hitters with 17 points, 16 digs, and 25 incredible receptions. She also delivered the match point in the fifth set. Her teammates Czarina Carandang, Jerrili Malabanan, and Joyce Sta. Rita performed excellently as well by scoring double-digits. For their opponent, Filipino-American spiker Kalei Mau performed exceptionally with 25 points, 15 digs, and 27 receptions. Her teammates Shannen Palec and Justin Tiu combined 22 markers as well, but it was not enough to get the win for their team.

According to Sta. Rita, “Not everyone knows how difficult it was for the team. But, we’re happy that we finally get another win,” adding that after two losses, “it was really hard to regain confidence.” Setter Jasmine Nabor, who successfully provided her team 24 sets, added, “In the fifth set, we told ourselves that we can’t afford to lose the game, we have to win the game to redeem ourselves and to regain our confidence back.”

The Smart Giga Hitters are at a 2-2 record, only also winning against Sta. Lucia during the opening. On the other hand, Cocolife has yet to taste victory. Smart’s next game is against the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers on November 17, at the Caloocan Sports Complex, while Cocolife is playing at the same place and venue against the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors.