Elena Samoilenko was the standout in a clash between two depleted teams, propelling PLDT to a 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12 victory to kick off their campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
Samoilenko erupted for 34 points on 32 attacks and two aces to go with 14 receptions.
And she put the High Speed Hitters on her back in the fourth set to force a decider.
That momentum continued in the fifth set, as Samoilenko scored six there. Meanwhile, Kiesha Bedonia, Majoy Baron, and the returning Mika Reyes also made valuable contributions.
With PLDT at match point, Fiola Ceballos made an off-the-block hit for the win in two hours and 40 minutes.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
“Hard-fought win, sigurado na ‘yun. ‘Yun lang naman talaga ‘yung pinrepare namin, na maging mentally prepared nga sa ganitong laban,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Alam naming mahirap talaga dahil kahit kulang naman ‘yung Creamline, sila-sila pa rin ‘yung core niyan. Definitely, a good win for us,” he added.
The High Speed Hitters played without Savannah Davison who is out due to a knee injury that would sideline her indefinitely. Also not available were Rhea Dimaculangan (leave) and Dell Palomata (national team).
Baron and Ceballos chipped in 11 points apiece for PLDT.
The Cool Smashers, on the other hand, were without Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez along with Jema Galanza (Alas). The 12th overall pick in the draft, Aleiah Torres, also did not suit up.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Creamline American reinforcement Erica Staunton led the way in the loss with 20 points and 10 receptions, while Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao added 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Up next for PLDT is Galeries Tower on Saturday at 4:00 PM. On the other hand, Creamline matches up with Farm Fresh at 6:00 PM.
