MANILA—The PNP Lady Patrollers secured a podium finish in dominant fashion, sweeping the COMELEC Suffragettes, 3-0, in their battle for bronze at the UNTV Volleyball League Season 4on July 8, at the Paco Arena. 

The Lady Patrollers set the tone early and refused to back down, executing a precise offense and resilient defense to take the first two sets at 25-21 and 25-19. 

COMELEC put up a fierce fight in the third frame to extend the match, but PNP held its ground in a thrilling duel, sealing the bronze medal with a 26-24 victory.

The victory was anchored by the spectacular play of Liezl Paginado, who earned Best Player of the Game honors after orchestrating the team's offense when they needed it most. 

Paginado was thrust into a critical role following an unexpected injury to PNP's main setter, Tin Bangcola in the first set of the game.

Showing no signs of panic, Paginado stepped onto the court with poise, delivering three crucial points and three successful attacks while seamlessly distributing the ball to keep the Suffragettes' defense completely off-balance throughout the three-set sweep.

Reflecting on her clutch performance, Paginado emphasized the importance of staying prepared for unpredictable moments on the court. 

“Always po ako nagre-ready kasi may chances po na nangyayari na ganyan kaya binibigyan ko po ng confidence yung sarili ko na maibigay po yung best ko at saka kailangan po namin makuha itong bronze po,” Paginado said in a post-game interview.

Her readiness and self-belief proved to be the ultimate game-changer, lifting the Lady Patrollers to a well-deserved third-place finish in the tournament.

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