Bali Pure Water Defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Despite a depleted lineup, Bali Pure got the upper hand against Iriga City, 18-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-21, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
Team captain Alyssa Valdez arrived in the country from her London trip Wednesday and was not able to attend to the game.
Bali Pure fielded only nine players out of 14 with playing coach Charo Soriano, Bea Tan, Jem Ferrer, and Ella De Jesus joining Valdez in the absent list.
Assistant coach Ato Toyco had to make on-the-fly adjustments during the game.
“Tinitignan ko na lang, nag-sub ako then pag maganda laro stay na yung player nayun sa court,” said Toyco, whose team improved to 2-1. “And kailangan talaga nilang mag step up at suportahan isa’t isa.”
Toyco first used Ivan Agbayani as his setter but seeing the better play of Karla Bello, the mentor opted for the latter for the majority of the game.
Even Denden Lazaro, who played her whole collegiate career as a libero, was used as an offensive player.
Dzi Gervacio capped off the Defenders’ little four-point sprint in the fourth set with a cross-court kill that proved to be the icing on the cake after the 21-21 tie.
Grethcel Soltones led Bali Pure with 22 points while Janine Marciano and Amy Ahomiro had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Shola Alvarez and Grazielle Bombita led the Bicol-based Lady Uragons, who dropped to 1-2, with 12 points apiece.