Soltones returns, powers Bali Pure past NU in thriller

Bali Pure playing-coach Charo Soriano, right, exchange high fives with her teammates during a game against Air Force. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Grethcel Soltones had 23 points in her first game back to lead Bali Pure in a thrilling five-set win over NU, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-19, 15-13 for its first victory in Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Soltones, who just returned from a European trip with teammate Alyssa Valdez, shone with her 22 kills for the Purest Water Defenders, including the game-clinching hits to break a 13-all deadlock in the fifth set.

Amy Ahomiro added 14 markers, nine from hits and four from blocks.

“You could really feel the energy of the girls coming into the fourth and fifth set. We could tell we had momentum. We really tighthened up our service and reception and that was really the key,” said Bali Pure playing coach Charo Soriano.

The Lady Bulldogs failed to capitalize the golden opportunity in the fourth set as Soltones carried the fight for Bali Pure and forced the deciding fifth set, and sustaining that run to score the gritty victory.

Jorelle Singh topped NU (1-2) with 23 points, 22 coming from hits, while Jaja Santiago got 20 markers, 11 from kills and seven blocks.