Perlas outlasts Power Smashers

Seizes solo 2nd in PVL

MANILA, Philippines -  Perlas, dragged into another grueling five-setter, came out a victor this time, rebounding from two extended sets down to hack out a tough 29-31, 24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 21-19 decision over the Power Smashers and wrest solo second in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Perlas proved steadier in a back-and-forth decider. The Lady Spikers shattered a 19-all deadlock with back-to-back blocks  to seal the hard-earned victory that shoved them to solo second with a 2-1 card.

The Power Smashers dropped into a tie with the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers at 1-2.

BaliPure remains alone on top with a 3-0 mark.

It was a rousing win for Perlas, which dropped a five-setter to Air Force Tuesday after shocking the fancied Creamline side two days earlier.

Kathy Bersola hammered in 13 attack points and five blocks to clinch the best player-of-the-game honors. Amanda Villanueva also came up with 18 markers and 14 digs for Perlas.

Earlier, Army sustained its hot start and ripped Café Lupe, 25-20, 25-18, 25-19, to tie Sta. Elena on top with two wins in the men’s side.

Skipper Benjaylo Labide, Michael Reyes and Jayvee Sumagaysay fired eight hits apiece as the Troopers beat the Sunrisers  in power attacks and blocks (9-5) in their 62-minute romp.

Café Lupe, which drew nine markers from Joshua Barrica and eight makers from Kevin Liberato, came through with four aces, two more than Army, but failed to neutralize the Troopers’ power game. It absorbed its second loss in a row.