Games on Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan)
1 p.m. – Air Force vs Bounty Fresh (men’s)
4 p.m. – Baguio vs Pocari (women’s)
6:30 p.m. – Laoag vs Air Force (women’s)
Undermanned Bali Pure recovered from a listless start to edge Iriga City, 18-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-21, in yesterday’s Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Already missing the services of five players, the Water Defenders relied on Gretchel Soltones who tallied 22 points including 18 kills and four aces.
Janine Marciano added 12 points highlighted by four aces, while Amy Ahomiro contributed 11 hits.
BaliPure improved to a 2-1 win-loss slate for solo third to trail behind unbeaten Pocari Sweat and Air Force (3-0).
“Extra effort lang sa mga bata kasi nga kulang kami sa tao,” said BaliPure assistant coach Ato Toyco, who filled in the shoes of playing coach Charo Soriano.
Superstar Alyssa Valdez skipped yesterday’s game as she was still due to arrive from a trip to London.
Meantime inaugural champion Instituto Estetico Manila (IEM) defeated Sta. Elena 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, 29-27 victory to claim the solo second spot of the team standings.
The Phoenix Volley Masters leaned on their superb attacks at crunch time, with Eden Canlas sealing the one-hour, 45-minute triumph with a powerful smash.
Greg Dolor exploded with 19 points built on 15 kills and four blocks for IEM, which improved to a 2-0 record behind early semifinalist Cignal in this short, round robin elimination among six teams.
Jeffrey Jimenez and skipper Eden Canlas also shone for the Phoenix Volley Masters with 14 and 13 points, while Jason Canlas and Michael Conde chipped in 10 points.