Tiamzon, Roces deliver for Perlas

BACARRA, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — Perlas rode on the duo of Nicole Tiamzon and Sue Roces as it eked out a 20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21 victory over Cignal HD yesterday to barge into the win column in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center here.

Tiamzon and Roces showed strong resolve in willing the Perlas Spikers back from an opening-set defeat and into their first triumph after two straight losses.

Tiamzon ended up as one of the team’s top scorers with 13 points, including key hits that helped her team fight its way back, while the 35-year-old Roces chipped in 11 while providing leadership to her young, less-experienced teammates.

“Trust the Roces,” said Perlas team owner Charo Soriano.

“As much as possible, if we have this kind of opportunity, we really wanted to play and we really want to give it our best,” said Tiamzon.

When it was over, the Perlas Spikers celebrated on the court as if they’ve won a championship. After all, the team’s training was delayed twice due to COVID-19 reasons.

“Sobrang blessing ito sa lahat ng pinagdaanan namin. Hindi ko alam eh, hindi ko ma-explain ang feeling. Nakita niyo naman kung gaano kami nag-celebrate kanina and we know hindi talaga kami nag-iiwanan,” said Tiamzon.

For Perlas coach Reynaldo Diaz Jr., the key was playing with confidence.

“Ang isa pa naming kailangan ay kumpiyansa, so yung panalo malaking kumpiyansa mabibigay sa amin individually,” said Diaz.

Cherry Nunag and Heather Guino-o each chipped in 13 hits while Gel Cayuna had 24 excellent sets while contributing nine points including a pair of booming aces.

The HD Spikers, who were paced by Janine Marciano’s 12 points, fell to 1-5 (win-loss).