Kendra Dahlke powers PLDT past Generika-Ayala

Import Kendra Dahlke had her best game yet, powering in a season-high 30 points and leading the PLDT Power Hitters past the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-13, 15-13, in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Dahlke was at her best in the third set when she scored six times in a stretch that pushed PLDT from 17-23 behind to a 25-24 lead. Aiko Urdas and PLDT’s other foreign reinforcement Grace Lazard provided the finishing push for PLDT to clinch the crucial third frame.

The fifth frame also featured an explosion from Dahlke that gave PLDT a 13-10 lead. Lazard again performed down the stretch, finding a block and a quick hit to end the match.

For PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb, the key was getting contributions from his locals. Urdas and Shola Alvarez combined for 21 points in today’s match.

“Sabi ko nga sa mga local kailangan talaga sila tumulong para maging effective kami. We were making mistakes early in the match, pero nakakuha naman ng bwelo,” said Gorayeb.

Lazard finished with 18 points off 14 attacks and four blocks.

Generika’s Thai import Som Kuthaisong tallied her season-best 27 points to go with 16 excellent receptions. Fiolla Ceballos added 18 markers.

Both teams play their next matches on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. PLDT (4-4) takes on Foton (1-6) while Generika-Ayala faces Cignal HD (4-3).

The Scores

PLDT (3) – Dahlke 30, Lazard 18, Urdas 11, Alvarez 10, Devanadera 5, Nabor 3, Sta. Rita 1, Guillema 0, Latigay 0, Soltones 0, Pantone (L)

Generika-Ayala (2) – Kuthaisong 27, Ceballos 18, Kocyigit 17, Meneses 7, Lavitoria 3, Llagoso 3, Araneta 2, Hingpit 0, Macatuno 0, Orendain 0, General (L)