The BANKO-Perlas Spikers, who recently clinched three straight victories, hope to punch their ticket into the semifinals of the 2018 Premiere Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with better communication and teamwork.
The BanKo Perlas team was one of the victors of the quarterfinal opener when the team won in a quick three-setter match against the Tacloban Figting Warays. The Perlas Spikers grabbed their second and third quarterfinal win as they ended the streak of defending champion of Pocari Sweat-Air Force and Iriga Lady Oragons, respectively.
“We worked more on our communication especially during the crucial parts of every set. We lacked communication in our previous games, and that’s why we have difficulties in closing out some sets or even each match in the past,” said coach Ariel dela Cruz.
Previously, Perlas Spikers concluded the prelims on a high note winning over the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons and the PayMaya High Flyers. Prior to the two wins, the Perlas Spikers wallowed in a four-game losing slump.
Dela Cruz said they looked for the right combination inside the court and how to best match up with their opponents. He said the players now know what they are capable of inside the court.
“The trust and confidence of everyone in the team is important,” dela Cruz said. “We worked on the leadership aspect. All the players must act as leaders, not only the team captain and the imports,” he added.
BanKo Perlas Spikers’ imports Kia Bright, who has been on fire in the volleyball court since the quarterfinal round, and Jutarat Montripila, are among the top performing imports in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
The team includes local players Sue Roces, the team captain, and Mae Tajima, Giselle Tan, Ella de Jesus, Amanda Villanueva, Joy Dacoron, Jem Ferrer, Amy Ahomiro, Fhen Emnas, Dzi Gervacio, Sasa Devanadera and Nicole Tiamzon.
“Our BanKo Perlas team seems to finally gel together inside the court. We are thrilled over their wins and want to see them give their best. We really hope they make it to the semi-finals as they have been performing so well,” said BanKo President Jerome Minglana.
BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., a subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, began supporting the team last year to promote the sport nationwide and reach out to more clients. BanKo focuses on delivering financial solutions to the unbanked and underserved, thereby bringing the benefits of financial inclusion to many Filipinos.