BaliPure grounds PAF

Grethcel Soltones of Bali Pure attempts a spike against two Philippine Air Force blockers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BaliPure and Power Smashers got their campaigns off to a flying start on Sunday, but the opening day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference was marred by the absence of imports on the court at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Water Defenders shrugged off a flat start to subdue Philippine Air Force, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21, before the Power Smashers stunned a surprisingly listless Pocari Sweat squad in straight sets, 25-9, 25-22, 25-23.

The imports were reduced to spectators since they have yet to secure their International Transfer Certificates (ITC), requirements for players moving to play in another club.

Although the imports have been practicing since last month, they were still unable to process ITCs with the FIVB, the world governing body, said PVL head Ricky Palou.

Sources said the FIVB was still resolving the impasse stemming involving the two volleyball groups in the country—the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. and the Philippine Volleyball Federation.

The ITCs are expected to be processed when the FIVB convenes later this week.

With Thai reinforcement Jeng Bualee and American import Jennifer Keddy watching from the sidelines, the trio of Grethcel Soltones, Risa Sato and Jerrili Malabanan carried the load for the Water Defenders combining for 40 points.

“We’ve been practicing with imports so it was a tough adjustment for us today,” said BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb.

Malabanan, who joined the team only three days ago, made 12 points off the bench.