MANILA, Philippines – RC Cola-Army nearly squandered a two-set advantage but recovered in time to escape with a 25-18, 25-23, 21-25, 19-25, 15-11 victory over Petron that allowed them to clinch third place in the 2016 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference.

The Lady Troopers banked on their service game in the fifth set to secure the victory and earn at least a consolation prize after falling short of their target.

"We didn't win gold, but at least we won bronze that shines like gold," Army coach Kungfu Reyes said after the game. "Thankful lang kami na nakalaro kami ng walang na-injury from either side."

"Ayun kasi ang tumalo sa amin this season – injury," he added.

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Jovelyn Gonzaga had 17 attacks and five blocks to finish with 22 points, while Honey Royse Tubino, Nene Bautista, and Jessey de Leon combined for 35 points for the Lady Troopers.

Army, tipped to contend for the championship in the All-Filipino Conference, failed to win a single game in the second round after losing star spiker Rachel Anne Daquis to a foot injury.

De Leon (ankle sprain), Bautista (sprain), and Joanne Bunag (calf strain) also dealt with various injuries during the crucial stretch of the tournament.

Reyes admits that his team's future is in limbo as Gonzaga, Tubino, Genie Sabas, Jeannie Delos Reyes, and other young enlisted personnel in the squad will undergo an eight-month Candidate Soldier course in November, which will force them to miss the PSL Grand Prix.

"It's not our call," said Reyes. "We can't do anything about it."

At least, Reyes said, they will leave the PSL on a winning note.

"We have nothing to be ashamed of," he stressed. "We still finished in the top four. I just told the team to fight with pride, and to finish strong."

With Gonzaga and Tubino carrying the load offensively, the Lady Troopers seized control of the first two sets, only to sputter in the third and fourth as the Tri-Activ Spikers strengthened their net defense and service reception.

However, Army rediscovered its powerful service game in the fifth set and that threw off the rhythm that Petron had worked so hard to claim.

"Noong unang dalawang set maganda ang service namin tapos naging lugaw noong sunod na mga set. Buti nakargahan na ulet namin noong last set kaya di na kami naatake ng Petron," Reyes said.

Bernadeth Pons had 17 points, while skipper Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Frances Molina had 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Petron.

The Tri Activ Spikers thus settled for fourth place after sweeping last season's All-Filipino Conference.

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