Prisilla Rivera had the best pedigree among the batch of imports in the ongoing 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference.
And the three-time Olympian out of the Dominican Republic proved her worth on Thursday, basically carrying Akari on her 6-foot-1 frame and dropping a league-record 44 points in a tough five-setter against Choco Mucho to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The previous record of the league in its pro era was set by Dindin Santiago-Manabat twice, including last April 3 during the Open Conference against Army.
There were two instances as well during the league’s rich six-year history where an import broke at least 40 points.
American open hitter Michelle Strizak of Pocari Sweat scored 40 points back on May 25, 2017. However, the Lady Warriors lost to Air Force during that game.
On July 6, 2018, Banko Perlas’ Kia Bright dropped 41 points during Game Three of the Reinforced Conference semis. However, Perlas bowed to Paymaya in five sets.
(C) PVL
In a SportsVision-organized league, the first 40-point game was notched by San Sebastian College-Recoletos guest player Jaroensri Bualee during their five-set Game Two conquest of University of Santo Tomas on May 29, 2012.
There were also four instances in the defunct Philippine Superliga when an import scored more than 40 points.
(C) Joaqui Flores
Mane N Tail’s Kristy Jaeckel scored 40 points on October 29, 2014 in their five-set win over Foton.
The gold standard though belongs to SMART Prepaid’s Gigi Silva.
On April 7, the Cuban super import uncorked 56 points in a five-set loss to Cocolife. It’s the fifth-highest scoring output in a volleyball game in the world.
Prior to her 56-point outing, Silva fired 40 points in a four-set loss to Sta. Lucia.
And Silva’s record will be hard to top anytime soon.
