FORMER Perlas Jhoana Maraguinot (13) acquired by Bali Pure. — PVL

BALI Pure has acquired former Ateneo star Jhoana Maraguinot to beef up its revamped roster that is eyeing a stronger performance in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) tentatively set on March 3 in Lipa City.

The popular power-hitting outside spiker, who will turn 26 tomorrow, was picked up by the Purest Water Defenders early this year after her former squad Perlas recently took a leave of absence.

The club also tapped Janine Marciano, Julia Ipac and Rapril Aguilar from Cignal, Alyssa Eroa from PLDT, Marian Buitre from Chery Tiggo, Jamie Lavitoria from Choco Mucho, and veteran Patty Orendain.

The recruits will join Alina Bicar, Gyra Barroga, Bernadette Flora, Carlota Hernandez, Satriani Espiritu and Genevive Casugod, remnants of last year’s Rommel Abella-mentored team.

“We know that the other teams have also gotten stronger, but I think we’re capable of making the semifinals, they can’t sleep on us,” Bali Pure team manager Gil Cortez told The STAR on Sunday.

The Purest Water Defenders finished eighth with a 3-6 record last season in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, but they made a big impression after pulling the rug from under eventual champion Chery Tiggo in a thrilling five-set masterpiece in the elimination round.

Mr. Cortez loves their chances this time around.

“We’re deeper, we have more firepower and we’re more experienced this year. We’re optimistic of our chances,” he said. — Joey Villar

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