The PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters started their campaign for the semifinals strongly, quelling the IEM Phoenix Volley Masters, 25-20, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Power Hitters avenged their five-set loss to IEM in the preliminary round. Head coach Odjie Mamon lauded his teams continued improvement.
“Malaking wake-up call sa amin ‘yung last few games namin noong first round,” said Mamon. “Maraming games na kaya naming ipanalo na just slipped away. This round, wala na kaming room para magkamali. All games are very crucial.”
National team standout Mark Alfafara managed 27 points off 24 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Johnvic De Guzman added 18 markers, while Henry Pecaña added 12 points and 27 excellent receptions.
IEM dropped their fourth straight match since the preliminaries.
Joeward Presnede tallied 16 points, while Jeffrey Jimenez and and Mark Enciso each managed 13 markers.
