PayMaya forces semis rubber match vs BanKo after 5-set win

PayMaya went through intense adversity before putting down BanKo, 28-26, 25-16, 25-27, 25-27, 15-12, and forcing a rubber match in the semifinalsin the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Grethcel Soltones came up big in the clutch, scoring three of the High Flyers last four points including the match-winner.

“I told the locals that they should be more assertive on offense and we should stop relying on the imports,” said PayMaya head coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino. “I told Grethcel that if she couldn’t hit she should make it a point to play defense.”

Both teams were stuck at 10-10 late in the game before Soltones followed up on a BanKo error with two straight crosscourt kills for the 13-11 lead.

“I was happy with the kids’ performance today, especially for the locals,” said Gorayeb. “I’m happy as long as we win.”

Tess Rountree had a team-high 34 points for the High Flyers while Soltones and Shelby Sullivan had 22 and 14 points, respectively.

Lakia Bright put up 35 points to lead all scorers with Jutarat Montripila adding 23 points for the Perlas Spikers.