The Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders barely broke a sweat, strolling past the Bureau of Customs Transformers, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, in Game One of their best-of-three semifinals series in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Bali Pure started each set feverishly, building big leads although also allowing the Customs a few short rallies at the end to close the gap. The Water Defenders had a 16-8 lead in the first set, then built a 21-14 advantage in the second frame. Bali Pure erased a 13-11 BOC lead in the final set to seal the match with a 20-14 advantage.
“We have to stop giving them errors. I thought we played well, we got big leads but in the ends of sets we sort of let up. In the next game, we have to prevent that. I think we have a good shot at taking this in two (games),” said Bali Pure’s American Kate Morell, who tallied a game-high 20 points.
Kiwi Ahomiro added 13 points for the Water Defenders, while Denden Lazaro was terrific on defense and reception, recording 18 digs and nine excellent receptions. The Water Defenders took it the Transformers on the serve, smashing in 12 aces.
Alyssa Valdez powered BOC with 15 points off 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Thai import Som Kuthaisong added 10 markers.
BOC are yet to win a set against Bali Pure this season. Game Two will be on Monday at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
Bali Pure (3) – Morell 20, Ahomiro 13, Gervacio 8, Roces 6, Manns 5, Soriano 4, De Jesus 3, Lazaro (L)
Bureau of Customs (0) – Valdez 15, Kuthaisong 10, Vargas 4, Jaisen 3, Mabbayad 3, Soriano 2, Llagoso 0, Mandapat 0, Tubiera 0, Ibisa (L)
