Import wants more from Iriga teammates after win over BaliPure

Joyme Cagande of Balipure try to score off the Iriga Phl Navy , at the Filoil arena in San Juan .
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

For Macy Ubben, getting the win on her first match with Iriga-Navy is good. But finding out that there’s room for improvement is a lot better.

The native of Ackley, Iowa, unloaded 26 points to power Iriga-Navy past BaliPure-NU, 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 25-19, Wednesday night in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at FilOil Flying V Centre.

The 6-foot-2 open spiker, who came from a tour of duty in Switzerland, said the Lady Oragons had a lot to work on in training despite the victory.

“These are hardworking guys and tonight we are learning a lot of things that we can improve at,” said Ubben, who made seven kill-blocks, 13 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.

Fellow import Lauren Whyte added 17 points, while Hezzymie Acuna and Grazzielle Bombita chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.

“We don’t know how we would come out tonight with my new teammates, but getting the win is always good,” added Ubben.

It helped that the Lady Oragons faced the Purest Water Defenders, who were led by young and inexperienced players.

UAAP juniors MVP Mhicaela Belen and fellow National University spiker Princess Robles were the go-to girls of the Purest Water Defenders.

Belen topscored with 17, for BaliPure-NU while Robles and import Alexis Matthews had 15 points each.

Iriga-Navy took the first two sets and appeared ready for a sweep until the Lady Oragons, cheered upon by Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor, fell into complacency in the third frame.

Despite the loss, BaliPure hopes to bounce back in their succeeding games with Janisa Johnson expected to suit up as the team’s other reinforcement.

Earlier, Instituto Estetico Manila dealt Army its second straight defeat, carving out a 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-14 victory to join Air Force and newcomer Vice Co in the early lead in the men’s division.

Meanwhile, Air Force repulsed PLDT, 25-15, 22-25, 24-26, 25-15, 15-12.