BANKO Perlas defeated Petro Gazz, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19, to secure the No. 3 spot in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
American import Lakia Bright had 21 points for the Spikers, while Thai reinforcement Jutarat Montripila had an all-around performance of 12 markers, 12 digs and six excellent receptions.
The Spikers’ win also paved the way for defending champion Pocari Sweat to claim the No. 4 spot.
Creamline and Paymaya earlier secured the first two semifinal berths by topping the first round.
The best-of-three semis will start on Sunday.
“Talagang gusto namin manalo talaga. 'Yung momentum going to the semifinals, 'yun ang gusto namin,” said BanKo Perlas coach Dong dela Cruz, whose wardes cruised to their seventh straight win.
“Kasi nagkakakilala na sila, noong una kasi parang hindi magkakakilala, especially 'yung dalawang imports, ano,” he said.
“Hindi alam ng setters namin kung ano 'yung bola nila dati. Ngayon, napapalo na nila ng maayos, so 'yun ang pinag-aralan naming mabuti, kung paano sila magagamit ng husto,” he added.
Ukrainian imports Olena Lymareva-Flink and Anastasiia Trach had 17 and 13 points, respectively, for Petro Gazz, while skipper Paneng Mercado added 10.
The Angels were on a three-match winning run before bowing out.