SAN JUAN, MM--Philips needed five sets before beating Shopinas, 25-11, 16-25, 25-20, 13-25, 15-11, in a PLDT Home Ultera-PSL All-Filipino Conference battle at the FilOil Flying V Arena on Wednesday night.
The Lady Slammers appeared to be heading to a smooth revenge of their first round loss to the Lady Clickers after blowing them out in the first set.
The Lady Clickers, however, bounced back behind Paneng Mercado to tie the match.
Philips found its groove again in the third set as Myla Pablo led the offensive charge.
But Shopinas forced the deciding set as Mik-Mik Laborte, Cha Cruz, and Kim Dy took over in the fourth frame.
The Lady Slammers looked to finally clinch the win as they led, 8-3, midway to the fifth set.
The Lady Clickers stayed in the match and drew to within one, 11-12, but they lost steam as they committed crucial errors in the next two plays.
Michelle Gumabao sealed the win for Philips with a down-the-line spike.
The Lady Slammers' team captain finished with 15 points all on attacks, helping Pablo, who led them with 18, in scoring. Setter Iris Tolenada showed she can score too as she tallied ten points on six aces, three spikes, and a block along with her 36 excellent sets.
Mercado had a game-high 19 markers for the Lady Clickers.
Philips, winner of back-to-back games, now moved to within a half-game of Shopinas and Foton for second and third places.
