BALIPURE pounded University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, on Saturday to get back on track in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Former San Sebastian ace Grethcel Soltones scored 18 points for the Water Defenders, National University’s Aiko Urdas and Risa Sato added 13 each and Far Eastern University hitter Jerrili Malabanan chipped in 10.
UP rose from three points down to take the lead, 23-22, off an Isa Molde attack.
But Jerrili Malabanan tied the match before Risa Sato scored back-to-back points to seal the win for BaliPure.
“Three sets pero parang nawawala ang aggressiveness ng mag bata eh,” said BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb.
“Nakikita mo, kung ano ang nilalaro ng kalaban ganoon din sila, kung mabagal ang kalaban mabagal din sila,” he added.
Although the veteran mentor stressed the need to have the killer instinct and sense of urgency in every game he’s not pressing the panic button yet.
“Pero hindi naman malaking problema 'yan, parang ano lang wake up call lang (ang kailangan),” said Gorayeb.
The Water Defenders, coming off a four-set loss to Creamline, improved to 2-1.
Playmaker Jasmine Nabor registered 40 excellent sets for BaliPure, while seasoned libero Pantone, who had 13 digs and 12 excellent receptions, found a defensive partner in Soltones with six digs and eight excellent receptions.
Molde tallied 22 points for UP, while Diana Carlos added 18.
The Lady Maroons Are winless in two matches.
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