The PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters recovered from a rusty start to overcome the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-8, and barge into the win column of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Imus Sports Center here.
Jorelle Singh provided the spark, forcing the game into a deciding fifth set. She then went for the kill with a game-winning attack to tow the Power Hitters to their first win in two starts.
Gretchel Soltones led the charge with 16 kills, two aces and a block for 19 points; and 19 digs and 18 excellent reception. Meanwhile, Singh proved that she belonged as she fired 16 hits off the bench, much to the delight of seasoned mentor Roger Gorayeb.
Naghahanap ako ng tamang kombinasyon. Andami ko nang shinuffle – si Jerrili [Malabanan] pala masakit yung tiyan; si Aiko [Urdas], dalawang laro na masyadong mababa nilalaro,” admitted Gorayeb.
“Sabi ko, ‘Jo, hindi ka maswerte, magaling ka. Maniwala ka lang sa sarili mo’,” continued Gorayeb, referring to Singh, who was not part of the roster in the Grand Prix.
Joyce Sta. Rita and Shola Alvarez also stepped up with eight points apiece. Meanwhile, setter Jasmine Nabor made 25 excellent sets and three points, as PLDT bounced back from their first loss to F2 Logistics, 15-25, 25-27-25, 22-25, last Tuesday.
The Lady Realtors dominated the first two sets. The Power Hitters then stole the momentum and took control of the third and fourth set, with bench player Singh stepping up and delivering the crucial blows.
Sta. Lucia then completely collapsed in the fifth, where they notched six of its 38 errors. They allowed PLDT to mount an 11-4 lead that set the stage for Singh’s game-winning hit.
MJ Phillips put up 19 points, while Rachel Austero had 17 and Pam Lastimosa chipped in 14 markers. The Lady Realtors also drew impressive performances from Joy Dacoron and Amanda Villanueva.
Sta. Lucia fell to 1-2.
