Black Mamba-Army rose from a first-set hiccup to outplay Perlas, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-13, Thursday night in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PVC Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Jovelyn Gonzaga starred for the eliminated Lady Troopers by firing 17 points, all from attacks, for their third win in eight matches.
The victory snapped Army’s two-game skid, including a stinging straight-set defeat against Chery Tiggo that booted them out of contention.
Ging Balse-Pabayo also sparkled for the Lady Troopers with 14 points built on 11 kills, two blocks and one ace, while Royse Tubino chipped in 13 points.
Army coach Kungfu Reyes said they tried to relax and enjoy the match despite falling short of advancing to the next round.
“Loose laro nila, naka-relax kahit papaano yung gusto naming ine-enjoy nila yung laro,” said Reyes.
“Yun talagang kailangan ipanalo namin nung nakaraan hindi namin nakuha. At least we want to finish on a high note kahit papaano.”
Cherry Nunag scored 18 points and Jho Maraguinot had 17 points for the Perlas Spikers, who were already out of contention and slipped to 1-6.