Three days after finishing their month-long bubble training in San Fernando, Pampanga, BaliPure was back on the grind on Wednesday.
The Purest Water Defenders will close the final stretch of their preparations for the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference with a series of tuneups against varsity teams, a fellow club, and the youth national team.
On Wednesday, the rejigged BaliPure team took on National University on its campus in Jhocson Street. BaliPure lost a tight five-setter to the Lady Bulldogs.
The Purest Water Defenders will then head to University of Santo Tomas on Friday and to Adamson University on Sunday.
Team manager Gil Cortez assured that the team is still following strict health and safety protocols.
"Despite NCR being placed under Alert Level I, we still follow strict protocols, including daily antigen tests prior to each tuneup or training session," he said. "We can never be too safe especially with the opening happening in just a few days."
To close out their series, BaliPure will either face Black Mamba-Army or the Philippine Under-19 Women's National Volleyball Team on the 15th.
"We are hoping that the tuneups help us get into game form before the season begins," added Cortez.
Prior to closing their bubble training, BaliPure treated its players to a day-off at Y Farm in Bacolor, Pampanga.
BaliPure will be parading a revamped lineup for the Open Conference.
Holdovers from last season's team are Alina Bicar, Gyra Barroga, Bern Flora, Carly Hernandez, Gen Casugod, and Sati Espiritu.
Pickups are Jho Maraguinot, Jamie Lavitoria, Julia Ipac, Rafril Aguilar, Marian Buitre, and Patty Orendain.
BaliPure is grouped with Creamline, Petro Gazz, and PLDT in Pool B.
The Purest Water Defenders open their campaign against Petro Gazz on Thursday, March 17 at Paco Arena.
