The way things worked out in Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference Finals Saturday night was hard to imagine as BaliPure actually tiptoed precariously at the edge of elimination early in the tournament.
From grasping at straws to salvage an up-and-down campaign, the Water Defenders are now within a game of grabbing the championship trophy following a surprisingly quick 25-22, 25-19, 25-22 victory at Filoil Flying V Centre.
“We were almost eliminated and it was a really difficult road going to the championship,” said coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino.
“[But] we’re confident and we’ll just capitalize on this win,” he added. “We will go to the next game with the psychological advantage.”
Aiko Urdas led the Water Defenders with 15 points while Jerrili Malabanan and Grethcel Soltones added 14 and 10 points, respectively.
The Water Defenders have now won five of their last six games including two straight victories over Creamline in the Final Four.
Pocari’s stunning fall spoiled Myla Pablo’s night. The former National U star was named MVP before the match but managed just nine points against BaliPure.
Elaine Kasilag had 11 points to lead Pocari.
Earlier, Mega Builders pulled off an 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 25-13 squeaker over Cignal TV to force a sudden death duel for the men’s crown.