Asset Managers down Iron L Warriors

Cocolife shook off a shaky start then thwarted UE-Cherrylume in the next three frames, scoring a 22-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 victory in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

The Asset Managers also bucked the absence of ace libero Denden Lazaro to overcome the tough-fighting Iron Lady Warriors and notch their first win in Pool B of the tournament bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and Sogo Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

Behind Juliet Catinding, the Iron Lady Warriors closed to within 16-20 in the fourth but three straight miscues enabled the Asset Managers to cruise to victory.

Former La Salle standout Gyra Barroga debuted with 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks and an ace for Cocolife, which also drew 15 hits from Alex Tan and nine markers from Justine Tiu, who also spiked her performance with 18 digs and eight receptions.

“There were mistakes that were not good for my team because the players relaxed a little,” said Cocolife coach Moro Branislav. “I understand that we are still calculating since it was our first game with my new player but it was an important big win in the new life of Cocolife.”

Cocolife failed to hang on to a 20-19 lead in the opening set as UECherrylume forced a tie thrice, the last at 22 before the Iron Lady Warriors racked up the next three points to snare the set.

But the Asset Managers bounced back strong and dominated the Iron Lady Warriors to equalize.