JANISA JOHNSON erupted with 31 points as a young BaliPure-National University (NU) won its first match and in the process sent Petro Gazz reeling to its third straight defeat, 22-25, 25-23, 28-26, 22-25, 15-12, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Reinforced Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Johnson, who wasn’t around when the Water Defenders lost to Iriga-Navy, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 19-25, last week, provided the big blows in the fifth set and finished with 27 spikes and four service aces.
“The addition of Johnson is really a big help. We need someone to take on a big offensive role and she delivered,” said BaliPure Head Coach Babes Castillo, whose wards leveled their record to 1-1 won-lost.
High-school player Princess Robles supported Johnson with 17 points, while the team’s other import, Alexis Matthews, chipped in 15 hits.
Anastasia Trach and Kadi Kullerkann had 22 and 21 points, respectively, for Petro Gazz.
Reigning champion Cignal, meanwhile, opened its title-retention bid on a high note as Marck Espejo unloaded 28 points to lead the HD Spikers past the Vice Co. Blockbusters, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, in the men’s division also on Wednesday.
Espejo, a five-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player from Ateneo, made a rousing debut in his life after college as he nailed 22 kills, three blocks and as many as service aces—with 24 excellent receptions.
The loss was the first in two matches for the Blockbusters.
Instituto Estetico Manila, on the other hand, remained unbeaten in two matches while sending PLDT to its second straight loss, 14-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12, in the other men’s contest.
Greg Dolor led IEM with 22 points, while Mark Enciso and Jeffrey Jimenez delivered 14 hits apiece. Mark Alfafara paced PLDT with 21 hits, with Johnvic de Guzman and Henry Pecana contributing 15 points each.
Former Ateneo stalwarts Isay Marasigan chipped in 15 spikes, five blocks and an ace for 21 points with 10 digs, while Edmar Bonono added 12 points for the HD Spikers.
Vice Co. playing-owner Celebrity Vice Ganda continued to miss games due to his duties as comedy icon.
Jude Garcia and Berlin Paglinawan scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Vice Co., whose owner—and player—celebrity Vice Ganda continued to miss his team’s matches.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza