Power Smashers overpower Lady Warriors; BaliPure gains

MANILA, Philippines -  The Power Smashers stunned the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors with a blistering start then thwarted the defending champions’ repeated rallies in the next two to post a surprising 25-9, 25-22, 25-23 victory in the opener of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference before a big Sunday crowd at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Riding the crest of their lopsided opening set romp, the Power Smashers sustained their form and took charge early in the next two before repulsing the fancied Lady Warriors with clutch plays from Regine Arocha, Jovelyn Prado and Dimdim Pacres to complete the straight-set win in a victory that augured well for a team without certified superstars.

Arocha tossed in 12 points, Prado logged 11 markers while the big-serving Pacres turned in an 11-hit effort for the Nes Pamilar-mentored squad.

“We learned that our imports weren’t allowed to play. But as I said, even if they could not play, all the others should contribute,” said Pamilar.

Jeannete Panaga scored 12 points while Myla Pablo had 10 markers for the titleholders, who came into the match brimming with confidence with a roster made of collegiate stars and seasoned campaigners.

Earlier, BaliPure shook off a jittery start as it upended Air Force, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21.

Meanwhile, no imports suited up in the opener pending the FIVB’s release of the ITCs (International Transfer Certificates). Sports Vision president Ricky Palou said the FIVB has yet to respond to the request of the LVPI (Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc.), the country’s governing body for volleyball although they expect to get a reply within the week.

The Water Defenders pulled away in the second and third sets before turning back the Jet Spikers late in the fourth to notch the victory.

Air Force looked headed to force the decider as the Jet Spikers seized a 20-17 lead. But the Water Defenders came through with a strong finishing kick, taking eight of the last nine points.

Grethcel Soltones pumped in 14 kills and finished with 16 markers while Risa Sato matched Malabanan’s output as the Water Defenders shrugged off a tentative start that enabled the Jet Spikers to gain control.

“They were still trying to feel their way around. Nagkakahiyaan kasi iba na ito, eh,” said BaliPure coach Roger Gorayeb, referring to his mix of aces from his San Sebastian and National U teams in the collegiate leagues.

But Malabanan proved to be a revelation as she came off the bench to emerge one of the team’s top scorers.

“She was not even in the first 6,” said Gorayeb of the FEU mainstay, who grew up in the US. “But I think she can be a starter. She proved effective.”

Jocemer Tapic came away with 14 points while veteran Joy Cases put in 12 hits and Iari Yong, May Ann Pantino and Mae Antipuesto combined for 24 markers for the Jet Spikers.

BaliPure scored 45 attack points, eight more than Air Force with the Water Defenders also coming away with seven blocks, including three from Aiko Urdas, as against their rivals’ four courtesy of Tapic.

Earlier, Army battled from 1-2 down to stun Instituto Estetico Manila, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 16-14, in the lone match that also kicked off the men’s tournament.

Five players churned out double-digit scores for the Troopers with skipper Benjaylo Labide firing 19 hits.