BaliPure keeps semifinals hope alive, turns back UP

UP’s Diana Carlos has her face covered by the ball as she sneaks in a kill in-between BaliPure import Kaylee Manns arms as Water Defender Mae Tajima tries to provide help during their Shakey’s V-League encounter at the Philsports Arena.

Kate Morrell drilled in 24 points and lifted BaliPure to a 25-13, 25-23, 25-17 triumph over University of the Philippines last night in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at Philsports Arena.

Morrell’s rampage enabled the Purest Water Defenders to string up their third straight victory and keep alive their hopes for the semifinals.

The 25-year-old Morelle, who hails from Alabama, fired up BaliPure, which also got nine points from Amy Ahomiro and seven points each from Kaylee Manns and Sue Roces.

“We’re really working hard together and it has been great,” said Morrell, who also had three blocks and two aces.

“We’re finally gelling because we’re making an effort to bond not only on the court but also outside of it,” said BaliPure assistant coach Charo Soriano.

The Lady Marooons, third placers in the last Collegiate Conference of the league, are practically out of the running with four defeats in six games.

UP, behind Diana Carlos, Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, and Isa Molde came out strong in the second set but couldn’t stand the BaliPure rally.

Earlier, Champion Supra ripped Army, 25-13, 25-16, 25-22, to stay in the semifinal hunt in the Spikers’ Turf Third Conference. Marc Anthony Reyes