Days before their most difficult test of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders picked up an uplifting straight-sets win over the Baguio Summer Spikers, 25-18, 25-17, 25-18 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Having played with a complete lineup for the past few games, Bali Pure looked poised for a strong finish in the elimination round as they found room to rotate players against the hapless Summer Spikers.
Bali Pure’s errors kept the first set close early on, as they only had a 9-8 lead. But the Bali Pure pair of collegiate MVPs immediately swung the set towards their team. Alyssa Valdez and Grethcel Soltones took turns putting away smashes, eventually giving Bali Pure an insurmountable 22-15 lead. The following set unfolded the same way, with the Purest Water Defenders uncoiling an 8-0 run for a massive 18-6 lead.
UAAP Season 77 Finals MVP Amy Ahomiro got Bali Pure off to a great start in the final set, scoring six times to pace their 15-6 start. Fielding in a different set of players, Bali Pure still banked on Soltones to finish the match.
Soltones finished with 20 points off 13 attacks, four blocks, and three aces. Ahomiro added 12 points, while Dzi Gervacio pitched in 11 points.
Bali Pure (5-1) will now face the undefeated Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors (6-0) next on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena, a potential Finals preview.
Baguio finish the season winless in seven games.
The Scores:
Bali Pure (3) – Soltones 20, Ahomiro 12, Gervacio 11, Valdez 8, Tajima 4, Bello 3, Marciano 2, Agbayani 2, Tan 1, Eroa (L) Lazaro (L)
Baguio (0) – Dicksen 6, Tsuchiya 6, Atuban M. 5, Torres 3, Costales 2, Atuban C. 1, Belsa 1, Arances 1, Abella (L), Degay (L)
