Pocari, Bali Pure go at each other’s throat

Myla Pablo. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

POCARI Sweat and Bali Pure each has its own focus when the two squads clash tonight for the last championship berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference.

For the Lady Warriors, a lot of intangibles may have to come into play for a repeat of their Game 2 win over the Water Defenders.

“It will be all heart,” said Pocari coach Rommel Abella. “Whoever comes into the game more determined will win. The adjustments, the Xs and Os, will be very minor.”

The do-or-die Game 3 is set at 6 p.m. at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

For the Water Defenders, though, earning a ticket to the Finals will hinge a lot on executing game plans centered on the explosive duo of Alyssa Valdez and Gretchel Soltones.

“We go back to the basics; it’s really the fundamentals,” said Bali Pure playing coach Charo Soriano. “We need to work a lot on our service and receives.”

The winner will go up against top-ranked Philippine Air Force in a best-of-three title clash starting July 13, also at Philsports Arena.

Led by Judy Caballejo, the Jet Spikers clinched the first finals slot after a 2-0 semifinal sweep of Team Laoag last Saturday.

Bali Pure triumphed in the series opener, 25-20, 25-19, 26-24, with Valdez erupting for 24 points.

Although Valdez finished with the same output in Sunday’s Game 2, the Water Defenders neutralized the volleyball star in the deciding frame to stay alive, 25-23, 13-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-8.

The men’s title series also gets going with Cignal vying to sustain its perfect run versus Air Force in Game 1 of the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference at 4 p.m.