BaliPure sets tune-up matches

The BaliPure Purest Water Defenders will play a series of tune up games against collegiate teams ahead of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference opening on 16 May.

Team manager Gil Cortez said the team will face National University on 9 March, the University of Santo Tomas on 11 March and 13 March at Adamson University. On 15 March, the Defenders will face the national under-19 squad at the Paco Arena.

“We will be the ones visiting the schools. Our last game will be either national under-19 or Black Mamba Army at the Paco Arena,” Cortez said.

“They invited us to train with them since they will be also preparing for the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) this year.”

The women’s volleyball event of the UAAP is slated to begin sometime around May.

We will be the ones visiting the schools.

The Water Defenders will arrive at the assigned venue two hours before their tune ups to warm up and take antigen tests.

BaliPure is bracketed in Group B with Creamline, Petro Gazz and PLDT. Making up Group A are defending champion Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, Black Mamba Army Cignal and F2 Logistics.

BaliPure is eyeing a semifinal spot after a dismal 3-6 record last season.

The Defenders lost ace hitter Graze Bombita to the Cignal HD Spikers during the off season, but boast of new recruits in Jhoana Maraguinot, (Perlas), Janine Marciano, Julia Ipac and Rapril Aguilar (Cignal), Marian Buitre (Chery Tiggo), Jamie Lavitoria (Choco Mucho), and veteran Patty Orendain.

Alina Bicar has also returned to the team.

Despite the Alert Level 1 in the National Capital Region, Cortez said scrimmages will be held closed door.