With the game in her hands, Venice Puzon served up an ace to give Lyceum of the Philippines University a crucial win on Friday in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament.
With the Lady Pirates up 14-13, the sophomore setter went to the service line where she purposely targeted San Sebastia's main gunner Kat Santos in the corner.
Santos, who has been effective all game long, hesitated on her reception to ultimately hand Lyceum the five-set win, 25-27, 25-22, 16-25, 25-28, 15-13.
Prior to her game-winning ace, it was also Puzon who clinched the match point for Lyceum after completing a one-two play.
"Pina-target po talaga siya sa akin ni coach," shared Puzon, who also serves as team captain.
Lyceum mentor Cromwell Garcia, meanwhile, shared that he always gives instructions to his players whenever they are in the service stripe.
Luckily in that last play, the gamble paid off for the Lady Pirates as they remained very much alive in the playoff contention with a 4-4 card.
"Actually ako nagbibigay ng targets sa kanila, lahat ng tina-target niya sa akin galing. We will gamble doon sa mas less percentage na receiver kesa doon sa mas mataas makakakuha," said Garcia.
"Then 'yung medyo open na pwesto, kumbaga parang 'yung may pinakamalaking doubt na mangyayari, doon kami magtatapon ng bola."
—JMB, GMA News