Having undergone a major overhaul in all ranks, the Bali Pure Water Defenders built steam and took a four-set win over the Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21, in the debut of the Premier Volleyball League at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Errors marred Bali Pure’s first-set effort. Back-to-back offensive miscommunications buoyed Air Force to a 20-15 lead from which Bali Pure could not recover.
“Nagkaka-amuyan pa. Sabi ko lang sa kanila maglaro sila na parang ‘yung laro nila sa ensayo. May hiyaan pa sa mga galaw nila,” said new Bali Pure head coach Roger Gorayeb said.
From there, the Water Defenders began to click. Bali Pure’s setter-libero connection of youngster Jasmine Nabor and veteran Lizlee Gata-Pantone powered their offense. Bali Pure dominated the next two sets. In the fourth set, they needed to rally from behind, 16-19, to end the match quickly.
“Sabi ko sa kanila they should learn from each other. There are veterans and young players on the team. Perde silang matuto talaga sa isa’t isa. And iba na ‘yung laro dito. We’re playing for our sponsor so kailangan buhos kami lagi,” added Gorayeb.
Three-time NCAA MVP Gretchel Soltones led all scorers with 16 points, while Far Eastern University standout Jerrili Malabanan made the most out of her first commercial league match with 12 points.
Bali Pure (1-0) next face the Power Smashers on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. In its inaugural season, the PVL features a tight field that includes defending champs Pocari Sweat and loaded newcomers Creamline.
Middle hitter Jocemer Tapic led Air Force with 14, while skipper Joy Cases added 12.
Air Force (0-1) take on the newly-former Perlas Spikers also on Tuesday.
The Scores
Bali Pure (3) – Soltones 16, Malabanan 12, Sato 12, Urdas 8, Oliveros 7, Nabor 6, Singh 0, Pantone (L)
Air Force (1) – Tapic 14, Cases 12, Yongco 9, Pantino 8, Antipuesto 7, Semana 1, Balmaceda (L)
