LIPA City—Jho Maraguinot produced her best game in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League as the Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers bolstered its championship hopes with a 25-10, 25-5, 25-14 romp of Baguio City on Monday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
Maraguinot, who was solid in the service zone with six aces, had 10 points as the Perlas Spikers posted their second straight win after losing to Chery Tiggo on opening day.
Coach Rei Diaz was satisfied the way the Perlas Spikers performed in the 68-minute contest.
“The most important thing is helping one another. And for everyone to be committed,” Diaz said. “So far, everyone is sticking to our goal. So far, so good.”
The Perlas Spikers displayed a balanced attack with Cza Carandang contributing nine points, Roma Joy Doromal adding eight points and Norielle Ipac drilling in six.
Nicole Tiamzon chipped in four points to go with eight digs, Jules Samonte scored all of her three points from the service area and setter Fen Emnas tossed in 16 excellent sets and also scored three points.
For Maraguinot, who was acquired by the Perlas Spikers earlier this year, the Champions League will serve as a confidence builder for her.
“I’m taking it one day at a time. There are still a lot of be fixed but I’m grateful that my teammates are helping me,” she said.
Up next for the Perlas Spikers is a Tuesday showdown with F2 Logistics that could be the team’s turning point in the tournament that has Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors and BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors as silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.
“We will give them a good fight,” said skipper Michelle Morente against her former club composed mostly of De La Salle stars.
Baguio City dropped to 0-3 won-lost and has yet to win a set.
The games are live streamed over the PNVF official website volleyballphilippines.com, iWantTFC for local and international audiences, Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports Facebook pages and YouTube channels and Gigaplay.