The Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders debuted on a low note: dropping their opening match to the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Open Conference.
With Ateneans coming from different eras backing their squad, much was expected out of Bali Pure. But their lack of chemistry showed throughout the match as the new-look Air Force squad gave them no openings late in the match.
“This team was formed late talaga. A lot of our players already had their yearly calendars planned out before committing to play for us,” said Bali Pure playing coach Charo Soriano.
“Which is not an excuse. It’s on us to prepare better and play better during games. Now that we’ve seen what we need to work on, it will be a bit easier for us to pinpoint them in practice.”
Bali Pure was also without their two headline players UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones, both of whom were away touring Europe.
Instead of using that an excuse, Soriano insists that her team needs to find their chemistry even without the two National Team stars.
“We need to get better and find ourselves as a team even without them. We can’t just rely on them or wait for them to comeback. Everyone needs to contribute and pull the team,” the 30 year old Water Defender expressed.
Bali Pure will need to find their way quickly as they face the 1-0 National University Lady Bulldogs next on Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
