Sporting a crop of promising new players, the Philippines Air Force Jet Spikers throttled a depleted Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders squad, 25-23, 14-25, 25-19, 25-16, in their opening match of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Much of the match came down to ball control. Both squads struggled to pass consistently to open the match but Air Force made the most of Bali Pure’s late miscues to take the early lead. Finding ther targets and loading their serves, Bali Pure retaliated with a convincing performance in the second frame.
But Bali Pure could not muster another good set as Air Force controlled the match until the end. Air Force built an early 8-2 lead in the third set through terrific serving from Dell Palomata and never looked back. The fourth set was even more of a drubbing with Air Force going on an 8-0 run to grab a 23-13 lead.
First year Air Force recruit Palomata made a great account of herself scoring a game-high 16 points. Veteran Judy Caballejo added 13, while May Ann Pantino and Jocemer Tapic each provided 10.
This was Air Force’s first V-League match in two years and also their first without National Team standouts Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan who are both playing in the PSL.
“Talagang nagsimula kami from scratch,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez. “Wala na yung dalawang inaasahan namin dati pero buti na lang nagpakita agad yung mga bago naming dagdag pati yung mga beterano na hindi masyado nagagamit dati.”
Bali Pure were without their headline acts UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones. Ateneans Kiwi Ahomiro, Ella De Jesus and Dzi Gervacio took charge for Bali Pure. Ahomiro scored 13 markers while De Jesus and Gervacio each had 12 points each.
The Philippine Air Force (1-0) next face the Baguio Summer Spikers on Saturday, June 4 at 4:00pm. Bali Pure (0-1), on the other hand, look to bounce back on Monday, June 6 as they face the National University Lady Bulldogs at 6:30pm.
The Scores:
Air Force (3) – Palomata 16, Caballejo 13, Tapic 10, Pantino 10, Cases 4, Yongco 4, Manzano 2, Semana 1, Papa 0, Abanto 0, Crisostomo (L), Balmaceda (L).
Bali Pure (1) – Ahomiro 13, De Jesus 12, Gervacio 12, Marciano 6, Soriano 6, Tajima 3, Tan 2, Eroa (L), Lazaro (L).
