The Bali Pure Water Defenders have added a victory against defending champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors to their growing list of surprising wins to start the Premier Volleyball League.
Bali Pure prevented Pocari Sweat from scoring a single set for the second match in a row, taking a 25-23, 25-22, 25-16 win at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After two nip-and-tuck sets, Bali Pure took the match in a blaze, blitzing the Lady Warriors with a 15-5 opening spurt in the third set. The Water Defenders then waltzed to a 22-10 lead that left Pocari Sweat in a daze.
Three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones waxed hot for 20 points, while National University standout Risa Sato added nine markers.
“Teamwork namin, maganda eh. Di ko alam. Basta kami, we’ll just continue practicing, mag-jell ng maigi. Andyan ang mga bata, walang may ego, masaya lang kami,” said Bali Pure head coach Roger Gorayeb.
Myla Pablo tallied 10 points. Elaine Kasilag, Kai Nepomoceno, and Jeanette Panaga managed eight points.
The Lady Warriors skidded to their second straight loss, putting their title defense in early jeopardy.
Pocari next take on the Air Force (1-2) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Bali Pure (3) – Soltones 20, Sato 9, Urdas 7, Malabanan 5, Mendiola 3, Nabor 3, Oliveros 2, Pantone (L)
Pocari Sweat (0) – Pablo 10, Kasilag 8, Nepomoceno 8, Panaga 8, De Leon 3, Dadang 3, Sy 1, Gohing (L)
