Kendra Dahlke-powered PLDT hands Foton 8th straight loss

Behind another stellar outing from Kehndra Dahlke, the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters stayed hot in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix second round, sending the Foton Blue Energy Tornadoes further down a tailspin.

PLDT eked past Foton, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 26-24, to improve to a 5-4 card at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Power Hitters nearly allowed Foton to extend the match to a decider, letting a 24-20 fourth set slip. Tied at 24, Dahlke pulled her team to the win with a solo 2-0 blast.

PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb rued his team’s near collapse, but was confident they would survive.

“Lagi ko sa kanila nire-remind ‘yan ‘yung service error. We were leading by 24-20, nag-service error kami. Doon na nag-umpisa,” said the wily head coach.

Gorayeb also lauded Dahlke’s resurgence from a slow start. After a 30-point eruption last Tuesday, Dahlke tallied 25 points against Foton off 16 kills, six blocks, and three aces.

“Sana ganoon siya lagi. Noong second set kasi ang baba ng umpisa niya, pero yung mga local pumukpok. Noong third set fourth set maganda talaga. Sana tuloy-tuloy na siyang ganiyan,” the decorated mentor added.

Grace Lazard added 18 points, while Sasa Devanadera and Aiko Urdas managed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Milagros Collar topped the struggling Tornadoes with 24 points. Courtney Felinski managed 16.

PLDT (5-4) next face the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers (6-1) on Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena. On the other hand, Foton (1-8) take on the Cignal HD Spikers (5-3) next Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Scores

PLDT (3) – Dahlke 25, Lazard 18, Devanadera 12, Urdas 11, Alvarez 8, Nabor 6, Soltones 0, Sta. Rita 0, Pantone (L)

Foton (1) – Collar 24, Felinski 16, Aganon 6, Ortiz 4, Santiago-Manabat 4, Perez 1, Sy 1, Sandoval 0, Reyes (L)