The BanKo Perlas Spikers staved off a late run by the Petro Gazz Angels to collect their second win in the PVL Open Conference, 25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 25-17, at the Imus City Sports Center.
After taking the first two sets convincingly, the Perlas Spikers sank in the third set. Petro Gazz got off to a 10-7 lead which they nursed to extend the match.
Down 0-7, BanKo seemed headed for a fifth set. But Joy Dacoron and Dzi Gervacio paced the Perlas Spikers to eventually take a 16-11 lead and never look back.
“Medyo nag-relax kami noong third set hanggang noong fourth set nga eh,” expressed BanKo head coach Dong Dela Cruz.
“Pero naka-recover naman. Alam naman nila na hindi natatapos ang volleyball sa two sets lang. Siguro kailangan din namin ng mga ganito para mahasa ‘yung team,” the former NU Lady Bulldogs tactician added.
Nicole Tiamzon led the Perlas Spikers with 16 points, while Gervacio added 15.
Paneng Mercado topped Petro Gazz with nine points. Rachel Austero, Mary Anne Mendrez, and Marites Pablo each added eight markers.
BanKo are participating in an international club tournament in Vietnam on Wednesday for the Vinh Lo Cup. The Lady Spikers will come back to defend their undefeated start against Adamson-Akari on October 6. Meanwhile, Petro Gazz (1-1) will try to bounce back against the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons (0-1) on Wednesday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
The Scores
BanKo-Perlas (3) – Tiamzon 17, Villanueva 15, Gervacio 14, Dacoron 10, Ahomiro 8, Doromal 2, Ferrer 2, Bersola 0, Emnas 0, De Jesus (L), Tan (L)
Petro Gazz (1) – Mercado 9, Austero 8, Mendrez 8, Pablo 8, Sabete 8, Nunag 7, Saet 3, Baloaloa 2, De Leon 1, Musa 1, Cheng 0, Cruz (L), Enclona (L)
