After a stunning upset of the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors last Sunday, the Power Smashers were at an all-time high. However, the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders sent them crashing back down to earth.
Jerrili Malabanan continues her strong start in her first club stint, leading the Bali Pure to a four set win over the Power Smashers, 25-17, 24-26, 25-23, 25-22, Tuesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Both teams still did not have their guest players — Jaroensri Bualee and Jennifer Keddy for Bali Pure, and Kannika Tipachot and Hyapa Anporn for the Power Smashers — in the game.
This is Bali Pure’s second win in as many games, while the Power Smashers fell to an even slate.
Far Eastern University middle blocker Malabanan paced Bali Pure with 20 markers, 19 coming off attacks, while open hitter Grethcel Soltones added 15 markers.
Bali Pure head coach Roger Gorayeb was far from satisfied with the win, however, especially after their second set collapse.
“Hindi, sama nung laro eh. Meron akong hinahanap lalo na sa mga player ko, sabi ko nga sa kanila, okay lang magkaroon ng mali but we should learn from every mistake,” the multi-time NCAA champion coach shared. “Dun papasok yung learning process, yung maturity. Pag di nila i-overcome yun, mananatiling mali eh. Dapat they should learn from this.”
And Bali Pure had to rally back from a 10-15 fourth set deficit with Malabanan and Soltones teaming up to gain the lead late. A block by Iriis Oliveros sealed the win for the Purest Water Defenders.
“Sa service [frustrated]. Lamang yung kalaban, didikit kami, one or two points, biglang boom service error. Hindi pa sila masyado nag-uusap, nagkakahiyaan pa,” Gorayeb said about his team, which features a core of the National University Lady Bulldogs and San Sebastian Lady Stags. “At this point in time, hindi na dapat ganito.”
Bali Pure committed 40 errors but digging woes troubled the Power Smashers late.
Regine Arocha, Dimdim Pacres, and Jovelyn Prado each had 11 markers for the Power Smashers.
Bali Pure look to sustain their momentum when they face defending champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors on Thursday, May 4, at 6:30pm. The Power Smashers, on the other hand, will face the Perlas Lady Spikers on Saturday, May 6, at 4:00pm.
The Scores:
Bali Pure (93) – Malabanan 20, Soltones 15, Sato 8, Singh 6, Nabor 5, Urdas 4, Gata (L) 1, Mendiola 0, Eroa (L), Opp. Errors 31.
Power Smashers (94) – Arocha 11, Pacres 11, Prado 11, Villegas 10, Marzan 9, Guillema 2, Bicar 0, Kim 0, Simborio 0, Sta. Rita 0, Galang (L), Gillego (L), Opp. Errors 40.
