Gretchel Soltones powers Bali Pure past Iriga in 4 sets

MANILA, Philippines – Gretchel Soltones was simply unstoppable.

The power-hitting NCAA MVP once again, saved the day for the Water Defenders as she exploded with 22 points to carry Bali Pure to a 4-set win against the Iriga Lady Oragons, 18-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-21, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference, Wednesday, June 8, at the FilOil Flying V Arena.

Janine Marciano and Amy Ahomiro also stepped up and contributed 12 and 11 points apiece to drive their team to a second straight win.

The Water Defenders took time to gain charge and dropped the first set to the Lady Oragons, 18-25, but eventually adjusted and found their way to defeating the Iriga side.

“Sinabi ko lang sa kanila na ibalik nila ‘yong sarili nila. ‘yong laro nila as a player. Hanapin lang nila ‘yong kanilang momentum. Pag nakuha nila, dire-diretso na,” said Assistant Coach Ato Toyco.

(I told them to get back to their feet, and get back to their game as a player. I told them to look for their momentum and once they’re already there, it will be easy.)

True enough, Bali Pure snatched the momentum and dominated the next three sets with Soltones, Ahomiro, and Gervacio firing crucial kills in the deciding canto.

“Kailangan pa nilang mag step up at suportahan iyong isa’t-isa lalo na sa communication sa first set,” he added.

(They still need to step up and support each other especially when it comes to communication, particularly in the first set.)

Bali Pure’s playing coach Charo Soriano and key player Bea Tan are presently in the Beach Volleyball Republic Invitational tour in Cagayan, which somehow became a problem for Toyco.

“Malaking factor ‘yong experience para sa team. Pero ‘yong kulang ang team, ‘yun ang malaking factor na dapat pag adjust-an.”

(Experience is a huge factor. But the team not being intact is another big factor to adjust to.)

According to Toyco, the team will most likely be completed by their next game on Monday, June 13, against UP who also won today against Baguio. – Rappler.com