Bali Pure winger Jerrili Malabanan had to hustle to get to the PhilSports Arena for Game Two of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Finals.
Dealing with everyday stress and the pressure of a Finals game, Malabanan got into a minor car accident. Driving along EDSA, Malabanan nicked a car in front of her. With her teammates Grethcel Soltones, Alyssa Eroa, and Irish Oliveros, who were pooling with her, Bali Pure could have had several players late for the match.
“I was worried before the game if I would get here in time for the warm-up. I came late,” the 21-year-old Fil-Am recalled, as she had let the trio of Lady Stags go to the game without her while she settled matters with the accident. “They were already dressed and warming up when we got here.
“We didn’t know what to do, we were freaking out. But I told them to go ahead so they just [took] a Grab and I just stayed with the car.”
Thankfully, Malabanan made it through the whirlwind on time, and even ended up scoring 10 points to help the Water Defenders force a Game Three for the PVL title.
“I think it was worth it.
“It was a crazy day; getting into that accident and playing in that game,” quipped the five-foot-ten spiker.
Malabanan, who plays with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, has been a revelation for Bali Pure this season, averaging 8.0 points per outing. She aims to bring this experience to the UAAP, where she hopes to have a bigger role with the FEU Lady Tams.
“I feel a lot more comfortable playing on this team. I have more confidence on the court to do the things that I think I can do. I think it’s also with the coaching,” said the California-born spiker. “Maybe it’s because I’m in a different environment. This is my first time playing for a different team other than FEU.
“This is my chance to prove myself outside of FEU. Definitely I’ll use this experience for UAAP.”
For now, she’s focused on bringing Bali Pure their first-ever title.
“Like we said in the dugout, our mindset for next game is win or win. Just keep a positive mindset.”
