The Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors kept their drive for the Final Four alive with a straight sets win over the Perlas Spikers, 25-13, 25-18, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Baccara on Tuesday night

The win boosted Sta. Lucia’s win-loss card to 5-3. Their win also sent Perlas’ hopes for the next round down the drain.

Sta. Lucia was on cruise control in the third set as they led, 19-11, after Mika Reyes scored on consecutive aces. However, Perlas pulled to within six before MJ Philips and Jovie Prado restored order for Sta. Lucia and give them a 23-15 lead.

Points by Prado and Djanel Cheng put an end to the match in Sta. Lucia’s favor.

"Siguro kung ano yung straight wins namin masasabi natin na pinaghirapan ng bawat isa yun, talagang yung dedication, yung motivation, yung focus, lahat yun," said Sta. Lucia head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Phillips led Sta. Lucia in scoring with 16 points off of 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace. She also had 16 excellent digs. Prado backed her up with 10 points and eight excellent receptions while Reyes and Jonah Sabete put up nine points each.

Perlas, which dropped to 1-5, got eight points each from Jho Maraguinot and Sue Roces. (JNP)