Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
1 p.m. – Air Force vs Army (men’s)
4 p.m. – BaliPure vs Pocari (women’s)
6:30 p.m. – Perlas vs Air Force (women’s)
Defending champion Pocari Sweat and BaliPure clash today in a battle of two power-spiking teams in the Premier Volleyball League women’s tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
With both teams out to boost their semis bids, expect an intense action when they meet at 4 p.m.
BaliPure got back on the winning track – thanks to a four-set win over Alyssa Valdez’s Creamline Tuesday that gave them a 4-1 lead.
But Pocari is looking invincible these days.
Since dropping its first two matches, Pocari has won five straight matches, including a 25-17, 25-17, 22-25, 18-25, 15-3 win over the Perlas Spikers last Tuesday.
Manpower-wise, both teams have marquee players with Myla Pablo, Elaine Kasilag, and Jeanette Panaga bannering Pocari’s offense, while the main gunners for BaliPure are Grethcel Soltones, Risa Sato, and Jerrili Malabanan.
Though they are on a roll, Pocari coach Rommel Abella said they can’t afford to be complacent against BaliPure.
“Ang tagal naming maka-recover after matalo kami sa third set (against Perlas) kaya sana mas mabilis pa ang recovery namin sa next match,” said Abella.
BaliPure Coach Roger Gorayeb, meanwhile, is hoping their 26-24, 17-25, 25-23, 28-26 triumph over Creamline will give them additional boost.
“Ang trend, 0-all kami tapos iiwan kami, tapos 0-all ulit. Yung ang trend na nakita ko kaya ang hirap, hindi ko sila maintindihan,” said Gorayeb.
Gorayeb, however, hopes they can still maintain their energy after competing in their third straight playdate.
“Wala kaming pahinga, isang araw lang halos,” Gorayeb said.
Meanwhile, Perlas aims to regain its composure when it tackles cellar-dweller Air Force at 6:30 p.m.
The Perlas Spikers are tied at third with a 3-3 mark, while the Lady Jet Spikers are at the botton with a 1-5 record.
