BALIPURE charged back strong from an early struggle and fashioned out a 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21 victory over Air Force to kick off its title drive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference before a big Sunday crowd at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The Purest Water Defenders cranked it up from the second frame on with Grethcel Soltones leading the attack and Jerrili Malabanan emerging as the team’s surprise package, firing 12 hits, the last clinching the one-hour, 34-minute victory for BaliPure.
The power-hitting Soltones hammered in 14 kills and finished with 16 makers while Risa Sato matched Malabanan’s output as the Water Defenders shrugged off a tentative start that enabled the Jet Spikers to gain control.
“They were still trying to feel their way around. Nagkakahiyaan kasi iba na ito, eh,” said BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb, referring to his mix of aces from his San Sebastian and National U teams in the collegiate leagues.
But Malabanan proved to be a revelation as she came off the bench to emerge one of the team’s top scorers in the inaugurals of the 14th season of the league backed by Asics and Mikasa and organized by Sports Vision.
“She was not even in the first 6,” said Gorayeb of the FEU mainstay, who grew up in the US. “But I think she can be a starter. She proved effective.”
Jocemer Tapic came away with 14 points while veteran Joy Cases put in 12 hits and Iari Yong, May Ann Pantino and Mae Antipuesto combined for 24 markers for the Jet Spikers.
BaliPure scored 45 attack points, eight more than Air Force with the Water Defenders also coming away seven blocks, including three from Aiko Urdas, as against their rivals’ four courtesy of Tapic.
Meanwhile, no imports suited up in the opener pending the FIVB’s release of the ITCs (International Transfer Certificate).
Earlier, Army battled from 1-2 down to stun Instituto Estetico Manila, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 16-14, in the lone match that also kicked off the men’s tournament.
Five players churned out double-digit scores for the Troopers with skipper Benjaylo Labide firing 19 hits. Jayvee Sumagaysay added 14 markers while Anthony Arbasto and Romnick Rico chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Greg Dolor fired 17 points while Joeward Presnede added 14 hits for IEM.
Games tomorrow
1 p.m. – Sta. Elena vs Cafe Lupe (menís)
4 p.m. – BaliPure vs Power Smashers (womenís)
6:30 p.m. – Perlas vs Air Force