The Philippine women's volleyball team opened its PSL Super Cup campaign with a commanding sweep of Team Shine, 25-14, 25-18, 25-16, Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The national team relied on a balanced attack to complete a three-set victory. Mylene Paat topped with eight points, while Ces Molina and Majoy Baron contributed seven apiece.
"The way we controlled the game was great," team captain Aby Maraño said in Filipino. "We had a light feeling, nobody was tensed. Everyone was confident about what we're supposed to do and we were able to control our movements."
The Philippine spikers flexed their might in the opening rallies, building a 12-4 lead before cruising to an 11-point win. They dominated the attack zone, 14-8, and also fired three service aces, including one from Baron that pushed them to set point.
Team Shine tried to get into the groove early in Set 2 but the Philippines immediately got back the momentum. The national players led by five, 16-11, before Team Shine caught up and turned it into a tight battle. Roselyn Doria made the biggest plays down the stretch and anchored a 6-0 closing run that gave the Philippines a two-set advantage.
The Philippine spikers took full control in Set 3 to complete the sweep. Jovelyn Gonzaga brought the team to match point with a kill block before Maddie Madayag finished it off with a service ace.
The Philippines, which played without ace hitter Alyssa Valdez and setter Jia Morado, had a 42-27 edge in attacks, 6-1 in blocks, and 7-3 in aces.
"The players felt how to play again here in the Philippines," said national coach Shaq delos Santos, whose team just came from a two-week training camp in Japan. "Whatever we showed earlier, of course we still want to add to that and continuously improve."
MJ Phillips paced Team Shine in the loss with eight points. Patty Orendain and Mean Mendrez added four apiece.
The Philippines will take on Team Sparkle on Thursday before facing Japanese guest team, University of Tsukuba, on Friday.