Dzi Gervacio and the BanKo Perlas Spikers weathered Grazielle Bombita’s offensive onslaught, outlasting the Bali Pure Water Defenders in a five-set 19-25, 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12 conquest in the 2019 PVL Open Conference, Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Following a Bombita mishit that broke a 12-all lock in the decisive fifth set, Gervacio took matters into her own hands. She hammered down the pair of lethal blows that lifted the Perlas Spikers to a 5-2 card.
“Last two plays, si Jem nagsabi rin sa akin na ‘Sa’yo na’. Even noong first set, sinabi niya sa akin na ‘Ikakarga ko na sa iyo, ha. Just be prepared for it’,” Gervacio said.
Gervacio topped BanKo with 19 points built on 18 attacks and an ace. She also had 14 excellent receptions to complete a double-double performance. Kath Bersola supplied 15 markers spiked by two kill blocks and three service aces.
Meanwhile, Nicole Tiamzon left the match late in the fourth set, as she had to catch a flight to Seoul, South Korea for a UNESCO event. Still, the BanKo skipper contributed 13 points laced with 12 excellent digs.
“Knowing na si Tiammy, umalis siya in the middle of the game. So we had to step up and step in to contribute what she gives. Usually kasi top scorer naman namin siya sa team, so contribute lang everyone,” Gervacio said.
Sue Roces collected a pair of rejections above the net en route to nine markers. Ella De Jesus chimed in seven points, while BanKo playmaker Jem Ferrer tossed 28 excellent sets.
On the other hand, Bombita detonated for 31 points off 27 attacks and a couple of aces. She also flaunted her defensive wares, notching 15 excellent digs that went down as the Water Defenders fell to a 2-4 slate.
Menchie Tubiera supplemented 18 markers and 20 excellent receptions in a losing cause. Shirley Salamagos added nine points, while Sattriani Espiritu and Miracle Mendoza managed eight markers apiece.
Bali Pure setter May Guillema dished out 19 excellent sets. Glyka Medina manned the floor with 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
BanKo Perlas shall next face Motolite on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bali Pure look to get back on track against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday. Both matches will be played at the same venue.
