The BaliPure-NU Water Defenders claimed their third victory in a row at the expense of the slumping BanKo Perlas Spikers, 25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 32-30, in the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Water Defenders moved up with a 3-1 card, grabbing a share of the top spot with Creamline and PayMaya.
American Janisa Johnson starred as usual with 30 points on 26 spikes, two blocks, and two aces. She also had 17 digs and 18 receptions.
Alexis Matthews and Alyssa Solomon helped carry the scoring load with 18 and 12 points respectively. But it was Princess Robles who delivered the finishing kick in the extended fourth set, capping off the match with back-to-back markers that clinched the game.
Joyme Cagande, who tallied a whopping 54 excellent sets, orchestrated the Water Defenders' offense that allowed them to have a 66-51 advantage in attacks.
"I think we still have issues, the sustainability on how they will perform in the attack, but our passing is right on the spot," said BaliPure-NU coach Babes Castillo.
The Perlas Spikers suffered their fourth straight defeat in five outings. Imports Au Montripila and Kia Bright combined for 33 points in the losing affair.
In the second game, Arielle Love propelled the Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors past the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons, 25-8, 23-25, 25-18, 25-16.
Love unleashed 25 points on 18 kills, five blocks, and two aces, while team captain Myla Pablo fired 16 markers.
The Lady Warriors banked on a strong opener to dispatch the Lady Oragons and improve their record to 2-2.
They outscored their opponents in all categories, mostly punishing the other side with a 51-35 edge in spikes. They also displayed tight net defense (11-4) and strong serving (9-4) throughout the contest.
Macy Ubben and Lauren Whyte finished with 15 points apiece in the loss that dropped Iriga-Navy to 1-2.