With the incredibly humid conditions inside the PhilSports Arena, the Bali Pure Water Defenders nearly evaporated, but had just enough juice to stave off the Perlas Spikers in a five sets, 25-21, 25-23, 16-25, 25-27, 15-10, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Renovations in the historic PhilSports Arena caused malfunctions in the air-conditioning system, literally adding heat in an important match-up.
Bali Pure were on track to a quick win after gutting out the first two sets through steady passing and defense.
The Water Defenders, however, slipped in the following set, letting Perlas surge to a 14-7 lead. They seemed to recover in the fourth frame, going up 15-10. Bali Pure was in range of the win, 23-20, when Perlas bench player Tots Carlos kept them in the match. The University of the Philippines standout scored thrice in a run that gave her team a 25-24 edge. It was then that Carlos ended the set with a smash following a Bali Pure service error.
“Sakit namin ‘yung pagpapatagal ng laban. I told my players na we have to be more consistent. Hindi pwedeng lagi tayong ma-u-upset o magkakaroon ng ganitong letdowns. We have to be more accountable,” said Bali Pure head coach Roger Gorayeb.
Bali Pure then mustered a closing rally. The Water Defenders erupted to an 11-7 lead thanks to clutch hitting from Thai import Jeng Bualee and never looked back.
“We can’t make anything an excuse kahit mainit kasi the other team is also playing through it. We won but we need to be more consistent,” closed Gorayeb.
Bualee finished with 16 points, while American middle blocker Jennifer Keddy added 24 off 16 attacks, six blocks, and two aces.
Bali Pure remained atop the standings with a 6-2 record.
Brazilian winger Rupia Inck marked 27 points, while Kathy Bersola added 12.
Perlas dropped to a 5-4 slate.
The Scores
Bali Pure (3) – Keddy 24, Bualee 16, Urdas 12, Sato 11, Soltones 7, Nabor 3, Malabanan 2, Pantone (L)
Perlas (2) – Inck 27, Bersola 12, Ahomiro 8, Roces 8, Carlos 5, Gervacio 5, Hashimoto 5, Devanadera 0, Ferrer 0, De Jesus (L)
