The BanKo-Perlas Spikers played their best all-around game, condemning the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors to their first Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals, 25-19, 25-14, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Perlas Spikers got off to quick, lofty leads in the first two sets. BanKo romped Pocari Sweat, 8-1, in the first set then belted off an 8-2 run at the onset of the second frame, quickly taking control.
Perlas pulled off a 5-0 flourish at the start second set, but later slumped and allowed the Lady Warriors to grab a 13-20 advantage. BanKo import Kia Bright pulled her team back into contention to the delight of head coach Dong Dela Cruz.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na pag inabot namin sila ng 18, may pag-asa pa kami manalo. Lumampas pa kami. Maganda nilaro noong mga players, nakikita mo na ‘yung connection nila,” said Dela Cruz.
Bright scored five times in a run that pushed BanKo ahead, 24-23. An off-the-block hit from Jutarat Montripilia ended the match in a flash for Perlas.
“Alam mo naman ‘yung pinanggalingan ng team namin. Dahan-dahan, nagjejell na ang players. Problema namin, import at setter di nagkakaintindihan. Ngayon okay na connection nila, nakakapalo na ng maayos yung import namin,” added Dela Cruz.
Bright finished with 19 points while Montripilia added 16.
BanKo (2-0) can solidify their semis bid with a win on Wedneaday against Iriga-Navy (1-2).
Arielle Love was the lone double-digit scorer for Pocari Sweat with 14 points. Myla Pablo and Maddie Palmer each added nine markers.
Pocari Sweat (2-1) faces Bali Pure (1-0) also Wednesday.
The Scores
BanKo Perlas (3) – Bright 19, Montripilia 16, Ahomiro 10, Dacoron 5, Tiamzon 5, Ferrer 2, Roces 2, Emnas 1, Gervacio 1, Villanueva 0, De Jesus (L), Tan (L)
Pocari Sweat-Air Force (0) – Love 14, Pablo 9, Palmer 9, Panaga 6, Palomata 3, Semana 2, Yongco 2, Antipuesto 1, Andaya 0, Pantino 0, Balmaceda (L), Tempiatura (L)
