The Power Smashers kept a foot in the top two and one hand on a semifinals ticket after drubbing the Bali Pure Water Defenders 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 to end their Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference elimination round campaign at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Power Smashers faced a Bali Pure side already assured of their spot in the semifinals. Bali Pure head coach Roger Gorayeb was determined to rest his players in today’s match after going through a grueling span of playing six matches in 10 days.
Power Smashers head coach Nes Pamilar used this motivate his wards. Pocari Sweat’s loss earlier in the day left the semis door wide open for the Power Smashers.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila binibigyan na tayo ng chance ngayon, kunin na natin,” Pamilar told the media after the win. “In-explain ko sa mga bata ‘yung sitwasyon namin na kailangan ibigay namin ang lahat namin sa laro ngayon. Pinakita naman nila kaya satisfied ako sa nilaro namin.”
The Power Smashers dominated the match save for a few late dry spells that allowed Bali Pure to keep the score close. The Power Smashers gained their edge through tough serving that produced 10 service aces and 27 Bali Pure errors.
Thai import Kannika Tipachot led the Power Smashers with 19 points while Hyapa Amporn and Arellano University standout Jovielyn Prado added 10 markers each.
The Power Smashers await the result of the Creamline-Perlas tiff. A Perlas loss sends the Power Smashers to the semis while a Perlas win drags them to the quarterfinals.
Jeng Bualee led Bali Pure with 18 points while American Jennifer Keddy managed eight.
Bali Pure finished the elimination round with a 7-3 record.
The Scores
Power Smashers (3) – Tipachot 19, Amporn 10, Prado 10, Arocha 5, Guillema 3, Marzan 1, Sta. Rita 0, Galang (L)
Bali Pure (0) – Bualee 18, Keddy 8, Soltones 6, Nabor 5, Malabanan 3, Singh 3, Urdas 3, Sato 2, Mendiola 0, Oliveros 0, Eroa (L), Pantone (L)
