Philippine Super Liga Day #2 recognitions

So here we go again, time to hand out the imaginary hardware this time from Day #2 of the ongoing Philippine Super Liga (PSL). The day was marked by matches that were extended (went at least four sets), a new single game scoring record and another phalanx of hoarse fans who braved the faucet-like rains (if they came from the Pasig area) to show their unwavering support for the country’s first ever women’s volleyball club league.

It was great broadcasting the matches yesterday (Wednesday, July 10) with one of the best volleyball analysts in the country in Mozzy Ravena, whose presence added a special dimension to the coverage, as always. The audience also made it feel that it was a weekend triple-header as The Arena in San Juan was about three-quarters full.

Let’s get start handing them out now, so without further adieu, here we go:

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY: Michele Gumabao—Bingo Milyonaryo

OK, I know you fans will tell me that reigning UAAP Finals MVP can get 19 points in her sleep. She can, but against collegiate players. Now, Gumabao is playing with and against the big girls of Philippine volleyball and broke out of her opening day slumber of only seven points to attain game-high honors in the five-set loss to Cagayan Valley. She was relentless going up against the defenses of the Rising Suns and even scored three of the first six points of the match for the Puffins. If Gumabao’s performance here is an indication of how she will playing in the final three games of the classification stage of this tournament, then Bingo Milyonaryo might have a clean look at a possible semifinal berth.

SURPRISE PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY: Karla Bello—Petron

During the warm-ups of the third match, I immediately noticed two things: that Melissa Gohing had suited up as a libero (celebration time for DLSU fans) and that starting setter Rhea Dimaculangan was not in the line-up. That meant that the former Ateneo Lady Eagles skipper will not only start, but will play without a legitimate back-up…and boy did she play. Bello came away with 28 of Petron’s 29 excellent sets and also added seven markers which were highlighted by two service aces and two spikes; one with the right hand and one with the left hand, the second one struck with more conviction and fervour. It brought back memories of her days as one of the headiest setters in the UAAP, and the effort even helped get the Blaze Spikers their first victory.

SECOND STRING STAR OF THE DAY (formerly named OFF THE BENCH STAR OF THE DAY): Joy Benito—Cagayan Valley

Those who have followed the career of this San Sebastian stalwart would know that she could have had an even more stellar volleyball career if she had not gone down with an ACL injury as a college sophomore. Benito, however, did make a full recovery and continued to be known as a power-hitting open-spiker during those consecutive championships for the Lady Stags in the NCAA. But against Bingo Milyonaryo, she came in to provide a spark as starter Sheila Pineda had a sluggish start. Benito went on to score 18 points and announce to all in the league that she is still a force to be reckoned with, and her team a legitimate contender for the title.

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OVERACHIEVER OF THE DAY: Maika Ortiz—Petron

Not only was Dimaculangan not present for the Blaze Spikers, but open-hitter Fille Cainglet was also out of commission for the game due to her masteral classes going well into the night. That meant Petron needed a lift on offense to compensate for the points they would miss from the Atenean’s absence. Although fellow UST alums Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Angge Tabaquero were still able to churn out their normal numbers, Ortiz became the focal point of the offense as her running attacks and quick hits were hardly challenged by the PLDT MyDSL net defense and the 22 points that came as a result of that aggression were vital in claining the victory over the Speed Boosters. For many, it was vintage Ortiz. But for those in the league, it was an announcement that Ortiz should now be on their watch lists.

DNP-CD WONDER OF THE DAY: Kara Acevedo—Petron

Blaze Spikers’ Head Coach Vilet Ponce de Leon will probably begin getting more flack from the Petron faithful who read my work as this is the second straight day the DNP-CD award comes from her squad. No knock on coach Vilet. I’ve always campaigned for her to be a Head Coach and I’m quite sure she has her reasons for her rotations. But against PLDT MyDSL, Petron had comfortable leads in the second and fourth sets which could have opened the door for at least a cameo for the former UAAP Rookie of the Year. But Kara never saw action and although the Blaze Spikers came away with the win, the fans will always wonder why the bench wasn’t emptied. On a positive note, former national team icon Roxanne Pimentel-So was in uniform on the Petron bench in that game, but was not on the game roster. She just might see action in their next encounter against the TMS-Philippine Army. Wouldn’t that be a treat?

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TRIVIA OF THE DAY: What is the most common name among all the players in the PSL?

The answer is: Michelle or Michele with a total of five. Second place goes to those named Joanne or Joanna with three. The most common second name is Anne or Ann with four. Can you name them all?

HIGHLIGHT MOMENT OF THE DAY: Bernal vs. Balse interviewed by Tan

Since opening day, we’ve seen a lot of former teammates taking each other on as well as former adversaries joining forces. Perhaps the most talked about would have been the clash between these two former UST comrades who faced each other for the first time ever in actual competition. The reunion was made even more meaningful as Solar Sports’ courtside reporter Denise Tan—their former setter—was the one conducting the interview. It was a picture that painted a thousand words about the evolution of the three ladies and what the league has created for volleyball fans.

PLAYER OF THE DAY: Joy Benito—Cagayan Valley

How about a second take for this phenomenal young lady? Bingo Milyonaryo spanked Cagayan Valley in the first set 25-16 and when Benito got her motor running, the Puffins could not show clear dominance anymore and eventually wilted and lost the match. It wasn’t the points of Joy that made an impact; it was how she got it. She looked as if she was trying to pound Bingo Milyonaryo into submission, and while the Puffins never stopped fighting, the Rising Suns rode Benito to remaining undefeated in the tournament so far. She let everything hang out and beats out Ortiz and TMS-Philippine Army’s Nene Bautista for this accolade.

RELATED: Philippine Super Liga: Cagayan Valley stays undefeated, Army and Petron notch 1st wins

MATCH OF THE DAY: Cagayan Valley vs. Bingo Milyonaryo (5 sets)

You gotta give it to Bingo Milyonaryo Head Coach Ronald Dulay as he was a catalyst in bringing out the fight in the Puffins. Gumabao, Ivy Remulla, Stephanie Mercado and Mic-Mic Laborte played like we all know they can. However, Cagayan Valley Head Coach Nes Pamilar also helped bring out the tigers in Benito, Joy Cases, Sandra de los Santos and even all-around wonder Wendy Semana. In the end it turned out to be a battle of wills and while Bingo Milyonaryo threatened to snatch it away from the more favoured Rising Suns, Benito bucked an unforced error in the end game to put the final two nails in the Puffins’ coffin—to the delirious crowd’s delight; not because Cagayan Valley hacked out the triumph, but because the quality of volleyball displayed in that match was world-class.

PHOTO CAPTION OPPORTUNITY OF THE DAY

Is PLDT MyDSL's legendary libero Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone doing a dance? Is she singing? Is she asking for someone to hand her a drink? You guys decide! In the comments box, just use the header PHOTO CAPTION and post your version of what's going in the picture below:

See you guys on Friday! #PhilippineSuperLiga

Follow Noel Zarate on Twitter (@NoelZarate) and email sportztackle@yahoo.com