Over a week after the breakthrough victory that quenched their 12-game losing drought, Bali Pure carved out another morale-boosting win on Saturday night.
Menchie Tubiera and the Water Defenders dispatched Chef’s Classics, pouncing on an error-plagued Lady Red Spikers late to complete a four-set triumph, 25-22, 20-25, 27-25, 25-22, in the PVL Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
In a close-quarter fourth set that swung to a 19-all deadlock, the Lady Red Spikers found themselves in a heap of trouble. Following a string of errors from Chef’s Classics, the Water Defenders erected a 22-20 edge.
Nieza Viray then hammered down a through-the-block hit that stopped the bleeding for her team. Unfortunately, miscues again spelled doom for the Lady Red Spikers, who slid to a 0-5 card.
Tubiera showed the way for Bali Pure, pouring in 18 points built on 16 attacks and two kill blocks. She also had 19 excellent digs to complete a double-double performance.
Grace Bombita supplied 13 markers on top of 16 excellent digs. Shirley Salamagos chipped 12 points, including four kill blocks and a pair of service aces.
Miracle Mendoza managed nine markers — spiked by two aces — to go along with 11 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, May Guillema tossed 22 excellent sets for the Water Defenders, who hiked their record to 2-3.
Bali Pure head coach Rommel Abella acknowledges that his team has found their groove following a pair of wins within a two-week span. Still, he pointed out that his wards are playing far from what he sees in training.
“Masaya ako kasi nanalo na, nandoon na ulit kami sa right track. But siyempre kung satisfied? ‘Di pa ako satisfied sa ginalaw namin kanina kasi malayong-malayo sa inensayo namin this past few days. Happy but not satisfied,” Abella bared.
Viray dropped 22 attacks and two kill blocks for a game-high 24 points in a losing cause. She also collected 19 excellent digs.
Chef’s Classics skipper Justine Tiu had 12 markers, while Rebecca Cuevas dished out 20 excellent sets. Julia Angeles manned the floor with 35 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
Bali Pure will try to build from this win when they face the BanKo Perlas Spikers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chef’s Classics seek their breakthrough win at the expense of the PacificTown–Army Lady Troopers on Saturday. Both matches will be played at the same venue.
