Villanueva powers BanKo Perlas

With Amanda Villanueva taking the leader’s role, BanKo Perlas crushed Pocari Sweat, 27-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-20, Wednesday night to formally make the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Villanueva, a heavy-hitter in her college days but hardly given a chance to shine in club leagues, had 22 points on top of 15 excellent reception and nine excellent digs as the Perlas Spikers stormed to the next round with a 9-3 record.

The win enabled BanKo Perlas to close in on league leader Motolite-Ateneo, which remained on top with a 10-3 card.

“It’s good to have that unified goal of making the Final Four,” said the 25-year-old Villanueva. “I guess when you trust each other, that’s more than enough to achieve that goal.”

Myla Pablo scored 20 points for the Lady Warriors who picked up their third straight defeat and are now in danger of getting eliminated.

Creamline was locked in battle with ousted Iriga Navy at press time.