Since debuting in the Open Filipino Conference last year, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors have dominated
Another Premier Volleyball League Conference concludes with Pocari Sweat hoisting a championship, having outclassed the Bali Pure Water Defenders in Game Three of the Reinforced Conference Finals, 20-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Krystal Rivers, who had replaced Edina Selimovic, proved to be the difference, scoring a game-high 27 points on 22 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Myla Pablo added 16 markers.
The Lady Warriors started the match hot, with Rivers delivering back-to-back hits for a 5-1 lead. Bali Pure then got rolling, stopping Pocari Sweat’s ascent and taking the lead, 10-9. Grethcel Soltones then put the Water Defenders over the top, powering in four kills in a 6-1 run that gave Bali Pure the 16-10 lead. From there, Pocari Sweat failed to produce the passes needed to mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Bali Pure’s Jeng Bualee took control late and gave her team the first set.
Pocari Sweat again started the second set strong, but did not slip into a lull in the late game. Myla Pablo dished out three hits and pushed Pocari Sweat ahead 12-9. Bali Pure errors then stacked up and boosted their foes ahead 17-10. Pocari Sweat then pulled points from everyone on the court to knot the match at a set apiece.
From there, the Lady Warriors put their name on the trophy, with Jessey de Leon sealing the championship point with a quick attack.
Pocari Sweat showed might, scoring 12 points on kill blocks.
Anchored on the best defense and serving they had displayed all season, Pocari Sweat sliced through the Water Defenders. By the fourth and final set, the Lady Warriors had raced to a 22-14 lead and never looked back.
Reinforcements Jeng Bualee and Jennifer Keddy scored 13 points each, while Soltones chipped in 11 for the top-seeded Bali Pure.
Pocari Sweat seal their third title in as many conferences played in the V-League.
The Scores:
Pocari Sweat (3) – Rivers 27, Pablo 16, Strizak 10, Dadang 7, Panaga 7, Sy 3, De Leon 1, Espilita 0, Nepomuceno 0, Cainglet-Cayetano 0, Gohing (L), Valdez (L).
Bali Pure (1) – Bualee 13, Keddy 13, Soltones 11, Malabanan 4, Sato 3, Nabor 3, Urdas 3, Mendiola 0, Pantone (L).
