BANKO Perlas moved a step closer to the bronze medal in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, defeating Petro Gazz, 25-14, 28-26, 10-25, 25-19, in the opener of the best-of-three battle for third place on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Dzi Gervacio scored 20 points, made 18 digs and nine excellent receptions, while Kathy Bersola added 11 for BanKo.
The Perlas Spikers are hoping to salvage some pride after losing in the best-of-three semifinals to Ateneo.
“’Yun ang sinabi namin sa mga players kasi emotional talagang medyo down ang team dahil sa nangyari sa semis,” said BanKo coach Dong dela Cruz.
“Pero wala nang magagawa doon, we have to move forward,” he added. “Hindi talaga para sa amin, kaya itong third place pipilitin namin makuha.”
BanKo Perlas will try to end the series on Saturday at Batangas City Sports Center.
“’Yung mga players naman professional ‘yan, malakas ang loob ng mga ‘yan. So emotionally sa unang araw masakit,” said dela Cruz.
“Pero wala eh, nandito na, meron pa kaming lalaruin eh. Buti nga bumalik agad ang bearing nila, ang composure nila para sa game na ito,” he added.
Team captain Paneng Mercado scored 15 points, Jonah Sabete added 12 points and Cherry Nunag and Maricar Baloaloa each had 10 markers for Petro Gazz.
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