With decorated import Janisa Johnson carrying much of the offense, the Bali Pure-National University Water Defenders overpowered the Chooks-to-Go-backed Tacloban Fighting Warays, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
Johnson dominated the net in the first and second set, steering the young Water Defenders to early and insurmountable leads. However, Bali Pure’s bad serve reception in the third frame allowed Tacloban to take a 24-20 lead and extend the match to a fourth set.
Taking matters into her own hands, Johnson scored four times in a Bali Pure 7-0 run to start the fourth frame, which signaled the easy set win for the Water Defenders.
Johnson finished with 27 points off 22 attacks and five blocks. Middle blocker Alexis Matthews added 23 markers.
“I think everyone’s getting their chemistry na. If I’m gonna sum it up to one word, I think that’s chemistry. We still have to work on our resistance and how we can sustain ourselves inside the court and our quixk thinking,” mused Bali Pure head coach Babes Castillo.
“The thing is, the girls really have to go through these types of challenges. We want them to go through some struggles and figure things out for themselves,” the young mentor added.
Hyapa Amporn led the Fighting Warays with 22 markers while Shola Alvarez added 11.
Bali Pure (2-1) take on the BanKo Perlas Spikers (1-2) on May 23 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Tacloban (2-2) face the Creamline Cool Smashers (2-1) on May 27, also at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
The Scores
Bali Pure (3) – Johnson 27, Mathews 23, Belen 8, Doria 6, Solomon 5, Robles 2, Lacsina 1, Paran 1, Doromal 0, Nierva (L)
Tacloban (1) – Amporn 22, Alvarez 11, Prado 9, Negrito 7, Sangpan 5, Abil 4, Marzan 3, Cagande 0, Esguerra 0, Guillema 0, Marzan 0, Galang (L), Panteleon (L)
