Debuting import keys BaliPure win

Janisa Johnson tries to score off Petro Gazz import Kadi Kullerkann. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

Janisa Johnson came up with Premier Volleyball League debut to remember Wednesday night, delivering 27 attack points as BaliPure gutted out a thrilling 22-25, 25-23, 28-26, 22-25, 15-12 victory over Petro Gazz to get back on track in the Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Unable to suit up for the Purest Water Defenders’ losing stand against the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons last week, the power-hitting American poured it all against the Angels, finishing with 31 total points, the last coming off a combination play that ended the back-and-forth two-hour encounter.

The Water Defenders, backstopped by the young members of the Nazareth School of National University, wriggled out of an 8-all contest in the deciding set with four unanswered points that basically sealed the outcome.

The victory thus put BaliPure in step with defending champion Pocari-Air Force at 1-1 with BanKo-Perlas and Tacloban, also with 1-1 slates, disputing a share of the lead at presstime.