BanKo takes Game 1 of PVL semis, denies PayMaya

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

BanKo dealt the first blow in its three-game semifinals series against PayMaya, taking a four-set win, 25-19, 26-28, 25-23, 25-23, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Jutarat Montripila of the Perlas Spikers and the High Flyers’ Tess Rountree put on a duel putting up 31 points apiece to lead their respective teams but BanKo had a better support in Lakia Bright, who tallied 23 points.

Both teams were scorching on the offensive end with BanKo having a slim 62-57 advantage in terms of spikes, and that was what head coach Dong Dela Cruz preached to his team.

“I told them that we have to work, earn every point because we all know that PayMaya is a strong team,” said Dela Cruz in Filipino. “I have to commend the players because they really showed their heart in this one.”

“I told my setter to, if there’s a chance, distribute the ball but we needed those points so she constantly gave it to the imports.”

Grethcel Soltones had 16 points to help Rountree and the High Flyers.