After a lackadaisical start to the season, the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters are starting to find their form in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix. They dialed in their second win at the Foton Blue Energy Tornadoes’ expense, 25-16, 25-20, 15-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
PLDT quickly established leads in the first two sets. They buried Foton in a 19-10 hole in the first period, before gaining a 20-15 advantage in the second.
The Power Hitters only stumbled in the third set after Foton’s Elaine Kasilag fired four straight aces and gave her team an 8-4 lead. Following the technical timeout, PLDT immediately responded with a 6-1 burst to regain the lead, and never looked back.
“Akala ko nga magiging mabagal ‘yung response namin after kami malamangan. Mabuti mabilis nakabawi ‘yung mga bata,” said PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb, adding his delight over his team’s shift in mentality.
“Sabi ko sa kanila after namin matalo, kailangan ‘yung locals ang mag-step up. Apat silang locals doon, at dalawa lang ‘yung import, kaya sila ‘yung dapat mag-boost sa team at makatulong,” the seasoned mentor added.
Grace Lazard continued to lead PLDT, tallying 18 points. The rest of the PLDT starting lineup also contributed as five players tallied more than five points each.
Courtney Felinski was the lone bright spot for Foton, managing 15 points, all off attacks.
PLDT (2-2) will take on the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (1-3) on Saturday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center. Meanwhile, Foton (1-2) next face the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (3-0) on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
PLDT (3) – Lazard 18, Dahlke 10, Devanadera 9, Urdas 8, Alvarez 7, Soltones 5, Pantone (L)
Foton (0) – Felinski 15, Ortiz 6, Kasilag 5, Adorador 4, Sandoval 2, Casugod 1, Perez 1, Rosario 1, Ilyasoglu 0, Sy 0, Reyes (L)
