The Perlas-BanKo Spikers needed a late rejuvenated effort to quell the Akari-Adamson Lady Falcons and claim their first win of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, 25-18, 25-16, 21-25, 25-21, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The more experienced Perlas side had no problems establishing big leads early in the match. BanKo built a 16-6 wall in the first set then followed up with a 18-10 start in the second frame to bury the Lady Falcons.
Trailing by two sets, the Lady Falcons came alive in the third frame thanks to a rejuvenated defensive effort. The ladies from San Marcelino broke away from a 13-all tie in the third set and took a 19-14 lead. Perlas’ errors then poured in the final stretch of the set to give Adamson their lone set win.
BanKo again trailed in the final set, 9-13, before the Lady Falcons’ attack crumbled. Perlas ended up in a heavy trade and tied the match at 21. Back-to-back aces from Nicole Tiamzon sparked Perlas’ finishing 4-0 run, capped by a smash from Kathy Bersola.
“It was important for us to get this win kasi nga seven games lang ang elimination round this conference. We need to keep winning para maka-qualify outright sa semis,” said Bersola, who played her first match and managed 13 points off nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Bersola’s fellow UP alum Nicole Tiamzon added 14, while Amanda Villanueva provided 12 markers.
Perlas BanKo (1-2) take on the Power Smashers (0-2) on July 15 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Jema Galanza was the only Lady Falcon in double-digits with 18 points.
Adamson (0-2) will for their first win against the Power Smashers on July 12.
The Scores
Perlas-BanKo (3) – Tiamzon 14, Bersola 13, Villanueva 12, Ahomiro 10, Roces 5, Ancheta 4, De Jesus 3, Aguilar 2, Ferrer 0, Tan G. (L)
Akari-Adamson (1) – Galanza 18, Soyud 9, Roque 7, Joaquin 6, Perez 5, Romero 5, Cruz 2, Caole 0, Flora 0, Pinar 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
