FILE PHOTO- Grethcel Soltones of Bali Pure attempts a spike against two Philippine Air Force blockers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Bali Pure inflicted the first blow, beating Creamline, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-21, in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Opposite hitter Aiko Urdas sealed the semis opener for the Water Defenders.
For Water Defenders head coach Roger Gorayeb, complacency won’t be on their minds as they look to finish off the Cool Smashers come Tuesday at Philsports Arena in Game 2.
Creamline hasn’t beaten Bali Pure in all three meetings this conference and Gorayeb wants it to stay that way.
“I just want them to have the wisdom, we are not yet in the finals and I told them beginning today that all of our games will be treated like games in the finals,” said an emotional Gorayeb who lost his cousin a few days back. “I want to give Bali Pure their first final appearance.”
Jennifer Keddy caught fire for the Water Defenders finishing with a game-high 24 points while Risa Sato, who took over Jeng Bualee’s offensive duties, added 13.
Gorayeb said Bualee is playing through a right shoulder injury and he instructed Sato to help their Thai import on the offensive end.
“Every ball that went to Risa, she managed to kill it and I’m so proud of her because she wasn’t blocked in the first set,” said Gorayeb.
Kaewpin Kuttika led Creamline with 16 points while skipper Alyssa Valdez had 12.