The Perlas Spikers survived the Power Smashers’ spirited challenge in the first two sets and pulled off a 27-25, 26-24, 25-19 win in the Premier Volleyball League women’s tournament yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Brazilian import Rupia Inck fired 19 points built on 14 attacks, three blocks, and two aces for the Perlas Spikers, who scored their second straight victory to improve their win-loss record to 5-3.
Japanese setter Naoko Hashimoto also proved vital in Perlas’ assault by providing variety of plays that shattered the Power Smashers’ defense from time to time.
The 32-year-old Hashimoto, a member of the Japanese team that won the 2013 Asian Championship, managed 25 excellent sets to outplay Power Smashers’ setter Vira May Guillema, who only had 13 sets for her team.
Dzi Gervacio also stepped up for Perlas with 11 points, nine coming kills, while Sue Roces added nine points.
The Power Smashers fell to their fourth loss against three victories in the middle standings despite Thai reinforcements Kannika Tipachot and Hyapa Amporn spearheading the squad with 16 and 13 points, respectively.
In men’s play, Air Force withstood Cignal’s spirited challenge to score a 30-28, 25-19, 25-21 win.
Air Force’s win was its third in four games, tying its victim for the lead.