By: Ohmer Bautista
Buoyed by back-to-back victories, the BanKo Perlas Spikers outlasted the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons, 25-17, 23-25, 28-26, 22-25, 15-12, to bolster their campaign in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Quarterfinals, Wednesday evening, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“Sinabi ko lang sa kanila na wag sila magbigay ng libreng points,” said BanKo head coach Dong Dela Cruz. “Kailangan magtrabaho ‘yung kalaban para ma-earn ‘yung points.”
With both teams cradling a set apiece, they went neck-and-neck in the third set. Iriga-Navy were the first one to break free, as they held a five point lead, 24-19. But the Perlas Spikers suddenly unleashed a 9-2 blitz to steal the set away from Iriga’s grasp.
But Iriga-Navy responded emphatically in the fourth set, forging a decisive fifth set.
Tied 8-all midway through the fifth set, a 3-0 spree unshackled BanKo Perlas, 11-8 and let them pull away for good.
Though they eked out a win, Dela Cruz laments the numerous chances that they had to shut the door, but were unable to do so.
“Actually may mga parts ng game na kaya na namin mag pull away,” he rued. “Sa fourth set, ang layo ng lead namin pero nagiging kampante lang masyado ‘yung team — nagre-relax kaya nakakahabol.”
Jutarat Montripila exploded for 37 points built on 31 spikes and 5 blocks. Import Lakia Bright added 24 for BanKo Perlas.
Meanwhile, Iriga imports Macy Ubben and Lauren White dialed in 27 points apiece that went for naught.
BanKo Perlas (3-0) will look to solidify their semis seat against BaliPure-National University Water Defenders (1-2) on Saturday, June 23. Iriga-Navy (1-3) will seek to end their season on a high note against Petro Gazz Angels (2-0), also on Saturday.
The Scores:
BanKo Perlas (3) – Montripila 37, Bright 24, Ahomiro 10, Tiamzon 9, Dacoron 4, Ferrer 2, Emnas 0, Roces 0, Tajima 0, Tan (L), De Jesus (L).
Iriga-Navy (2) – Ubben 27, Whyte 27, Eguia 10, Imbo 9, Cabriana 5, Acuna 3, Kim 1, Bombita G. 1, Dela Cruz 0, Serafica 0, Martinez 0, Ticar (L).
