BanKo-Perlas halts BaliPure, stays unbeaten

Games Wednesday

1 p.m. – IEM vs Army (men’s)

4 p.m. – BanKo-Perlas vs PetroGazz (women’s)

6:30 p.m. – BaliPure vs Tacloban (women’s)

MANILA, Philippines — BanKo-Perlas fizzled late in the second set but recovered its bearing, then dominated BaliPure in the last two, 25-19, 22-25, 25-14, 25-19 to roll to its fourth straight win and strengthen its semifinal campaign in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Kia Bright fired all but one of her 24 points in attacks she spiked with 15 digs and five excellent receptions to show the way for the Spikers who remained unscathed heading into their last game in the quarterfinals against Petro Gazz Wednesday.

“This is a very important victory for us. We still have a game left but I told the players that we badly need this win and they stepped up,” said BanKo-Perlas coach Dong dela Cruz.

Jutarat Montripila backed Bright with 14 points while Amy Ahomiro, Dzi Gervacio and Joy Dacoron provided the local support with a combined 20 markers.

Alexis Mathews topscored for the Water Defenders with 17 points, Janisa Johnson was held to 13 following a 35-point burst the last time out while Roselyn Doria, Faith Nisperos and Audrey Paran teamed up with eight points each to drop BaliPure-NU  out of contention with a 1-3 slate.

Meanwhile, Petro Gazz fueled its semifinal drive with a dominating 25-19, 25-14, 25-19 victory over ousted Iriga-Navy, gaining a provisional share of second with Pocari-Air Force in the penultimate quarterfinals

Later in the night, Pocari Sweat-Air Force held off Tacloban in the third set to complete a  25-22, 25-17, 25-20 romp and stay on course for the semifinal at 4-1.

The Lady Warriors wrapped up their quarterfinals stint but would have to await the results of the BanKo-Perlas Spikers-Petro Gazz Angels  quarterfinal match Wednesday.