Already facing defeat, Grazielle Bombita and the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders carved out a tight five-set victory over the Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, 25-23, 12-25, 27-29, 25-23, 15-11, in the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Bombita – who is coming off a 27-point outing last September 28 – unloaded 26 points founded on 19 attacks, four aces, and three kill blocks. She also had 17 excellent digs to lead the Water Defenders to a two-game winning streak for a 4-10 record.
“Proud ako doon sa mga girls namin, kumapit sila kasi Air Force is leading two-sets-to-one eh. Kinapitan namin yung fourth set, then nung fifth set maganda yung start namin na medyo… Nag-relax kami bandang dulo pero buti naka-recover kami,” said Bali Pure head coach Rommel Abella.
After eking out a tight fourth set victory to force a decider, Bali Pure sustained their momentum. They blasted Air Force in the fifth frame, securing a commanding 13-4 lead behind the troika of Grace Bombinta, Miracle Mendoza, and Sattriani Espiritu.
However, just when the Water Defenders were about to wrap things up, the Jet Spikers duo of Javen Sabas and Joy Cases pumped life into Air Force’s campaign.
The two engineered a 6-0 blitz to cut the deficit to just three points. Sabas, unfortunately, botched one from the service line which placed their counterparts at match point. Bombita put up the finishing touches with a drop.
Menchie Tubiera converted 18 hits for 19 points, while Espiritu chipped in 12 markers for Bali Pure.
Vira Guillema churned the offense with 24 excellent sets. Glyka Medina was on point on defense with 21 excellent digs.
Air Force – who is now dropped its last two games – were spearheaded by May Ann Pantino with 16 points. Dell Palomata finished with 10 markers.
Cases and Angel Antipuesto added seven markers apiece for the Jet Spikers, who fell at 5-7.
Bali Pure will look to extend their streak on October 6, Saturday, when they face Motolite at 2:00 P.M. Meanwhile, Air Force will try and end their slump against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on the same day at 4:00 P.M.
