The Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference schedule has been frantic, to say the least. After changing the format to give imports more games to play, teams have had to play consecutive matchdays.
The Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders, for instance, have played six games in the last 10 days, including back-to-back games last Saturday and Sunday.
Despite this, Bali Pure still managed to keep their spot atop the standings and, with a five-set win over the Creamline Cool Smashers earlier today, clinched an outright semifinals berth with a 7-2 record.
Head coach Roger Gorayeb is proud of his squad’s perseverance in what he deems the toughest part of the season. The Water Defenders bought themselves valuable rest time while the bottom four teams slug it out for the two remaining semis spots.
“Salamat makakapagpahinga na ng mahaba. Sunod-sunod ang laro namin eh,” Gorayeb said.
“Maganda sa team namin walang sumuko. Lahat ready tumulong. Kung anong role nila, ‘yun ang gagawin nila. Napakababait ng mga player ko.”
The Purest Water Defenders still have a match on Thursday against the Perlas Spikers. Gorayeb promises not to take the encounter lightly, but his wards will be cautious so as not to risk injury.
“Thursday wala na kong gustong makita pa kasi pagod na, bahala muna sila sa baba kasi nandun na kami sa taas.
“Gusto ko siyempre ma-maintain namin yung number one pero sabi ko Wala tayong pipiliin kahit sino pumasok sa three and four malakas pa rin hindi ka pa rin pwede maging complacent halos balanse lahat kasi yung mga import nagbigay ng balance sa liga,” the V-League’s only triple crown champion coach concluded.
