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PVL: Krystal Rivers gives Pocari a boost just in time for finals

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/sports/06/08/pvl-2017-060817.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Pocari Sweat import Krystal Rivers. <cite>Mark Escarlote, ABS-CBN Sports</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines — The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors will boast additional firepower in their best-of-three finals series against Bali Pure in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference after replacement import Krystal Rivers finally secured her International Transfer Certificate.The FIVB allowed Rivers to play on Thursday afternoon, informing the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. through acting president Peter Cayco. However, Pocari Sweat coach Rommel Abella opted not to field her in the game against the Power Smashers.Indeed, even as she was already wearing her No. 13 Pocari Sweat jersey, Rivers was seemingly reluctant to enter the court. Instead, she spent a considerable amount of time trying to access the FIVB VIS system in order to get confirmation regarding her ITC.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li>FULL STORY: <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/08/17/pocari-sweat-import-krystal-rivers-secures-itc">Pocari Sweat import Krystal Rivers secures ITC</a></li></ul>&quot;We were just looking for confirmation,&quot; Rivers later said. &quot;I just want to be 100% sure about the transfer.&quot;Rivers was ultimately unable to get confirmation as she was unable to access the system, but the e-mail sent by FIVB International Transfer Coordinator Carlos de Assis made it clear that she was allowed to play for Pocari Sweat.Nevertheless the Lady Warriors did not need Rivers on Thursday against the Power Smashers, as they romped to a 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 win en route to the finals, where they will meet the Water Defenders in the best-of-3 series.Rivers should play a major factor in the championship series, and the former Alabama standout is already raring to show off just what she is capable of.&quot;I&#x27;m ready to play,&quot; she said. &quot;The team is excited to get me out there. I&#x27;m excited for what we can accomplish.&quot;&quot;I think I can do a good job of scoring points,&quot; added Rivers. &quot;Bali Pure is a good team. They have great imports, they play solid volleyball.&quot;&quot;I think we play solid volleyball also. I think we can add to our team.&quot;Rivers just wrapped up a remarkable career at Alabama, having led the Crimson Tide to two NCAA Tournament appearances and finishing as the leading scorer in the history of the school&#x27;s women&#x27;s volleyball program. She managed to accomplish those after having beaten Hodgkins&#x27; Lymphoma in 2014.She is now part of the United States&#x27; women&#x27;s volleyball training pool.Still, Rivers anticipates a bit of an adjustment when she finally plays for Pocari Sweat.&quot;From what I&#x27;m used to, it&#x27;s a lot more defense-oriented here,&quot; she said. &quot;That&#x27;s been a bit different. But it&#x27;s something I need as a player, so it&#x27;s been great experiencing a different style.&quot;Abella stressed that Rivers&#x27; presence does not necessarily make the Lady Warriors the odds-on favorites against the Water Defenders in the Finals, though he knows that she will play a major role in their championship campaign.&quot;Malaking factor &#x27;yun with Krystal on board. Malaking bagay na dalawa ang imports mo, not only sa psychological aspect but sa amin din, kasi &#x27;yung morale ng mga players, nabu-boost,&quot; he explained.[Having Krystal on board is a big factor. It&#x27;s important to have two imports because it boosts the players&#x27; morale.]Rivers will surely ease the pressure off Myla Pablo and Michelle Strizak, who have been carrying the load for the Lady Warriors as they waited for the release of their teammate&#x27;s ITC.&quot;Nakakapagod kaya &#x27;pag dalawa lang kami,&quot; Pablo said jokingly after she and Strizak combined for 36 points in their win against the Power Smashers.[It&#x27;s exhausting that only two of us are scoring regularly.]But Pablo is delighted to finally be playing with Rivers, after spending the past week-and-a-half trying to match up against the Division 1 athlete in practice.&quot; &#x27;Pag pumapalo siya, talagang nacha-challenge kami lahat. Sobrang lakas niya talaga,&quot; Pablo said of Rivers. &quot;Talon pa lang, wala na ako. Kamay pa lang.&quot;[When she attacks, we&#x27;re really challenged. She&#x27;s very strong. I can&#x27;t match her leap or her arm strength.]For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank"> ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Rivers will surely ease the pressure off Myla Pablo and Michelle Strizak, who have been carrying the load for the Lady Warriors.

Rivers will surely ease the pressure off Myla Pablo and Michelle Strizak, who have been carrying the load for the Lady Warriors.

PVL: Krystal Rivers gives Pocari a boost just in time for finals

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PVL: Krystal Rivers gives Pocari a boost just in time for finals

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 09, 2017 12:22 AM PHT

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Updated June 09, 2017 12:23 AM PHT

Read More:

Premier Volleyball League

Pocari Sweat

Krystal Rivers

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