Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders. PVL MEDIA
MANILA, Philippines—Balipure stunned erstwhile undefeated Chery Tiggo in five sets, 19-25, 25-19, 13-25, 27-25, 15-12, to get its first win in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference Thursday in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The Purest Water Defenders, who lost in four sets against Black Mamba-Philippine Army in their first game, improved to 1-1 while dealing the Crossovers their first loss and sending them to a 2-1 card.
Graze Bombita had a game-high 24 points to lead Balipure while Bernadette Flora and Shirley Salamagos added 16 and 10 points, respectively.
“We can call this a statement game and Graze said that this win was a big boost to our morale especially with Chery Tiggo as our opponent,” said Water Defenders head coach Jon Abella. “This team is one of the contenders in the tournament, one of the teams who we think can make it to the finals.”
“Beating them really lifts our spirits.”
Jaja Santiago led the Crossovers with 23 points while older sister Dindin Santiago-Manabat added 17.
Not only did Chery Tiggo lose its first match, but it also dropped its first sets in the tournament.