Fourth seed PLDT turned back fifth-ranked Chery Tiggo in five sets, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The High Speed Hitters, who joined Akari and Cignal in the Invitational Conference, leaned on the twin towers of Lena Samoilenko and Majoy Baron in the decider to survive the Khat Bell-powered Crossovers.
This victory marked PLDT’s first semifinal appearance since the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference, finally breaking through after three consecutive fifth-place finishes.
“Basta going to this game, ang pinaka-ni-remind ko [sa kanila], deserve namin ‘yung situation ngayon na nakaabot kami sa game na ‘to. So dinaanan namin nang maayos, tinrabaho namin nang maayos,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Masaya na ‘yung composure na hinanap sa’min nung last game namin with Chery, lumitaw this game. So down na kami ng [one] set, pero nilaban eh. So credits talaga sa players at the same time doon sa staff namin na nagtrabaho talaga nang maigi,” he added.
After narrowly edging out Chery Tiggo in the first set, PLDT dropped a tightly contested second set, despite the heroics of Kiesha Bedonia. They then struggled in the third frame, losing decisively and falling to a 1-2 disadvantage.
However, the High Speed Hitters managed to stay alive, burying the Crossovers early in the fourth set to force a do-or-die fifth frame.
Determined to finish off Chery Tiggo, Baron anchored a crucial 4-0 run, scoring three points in that span, to give PLDT a 7-4 lead.
The Crossovers – led by Shaya Adorador, Ara Galang, Seth Rodriguez, and Bell – fought back to stay close, narrowing the gap to 9-10.
However, this proved to be the final stand for Bell and her teammates, as Samoilenko delivered four consecutive points in a 5-0 closing run.
That sealed the victory for PLDT after an intense two-hour, 19-minute match.
The 6-foot-4 Russian spiker dominated the Crossovers with a stellar 37-point performance, including 32 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, alongside 15 excellent receptions.
Her efforts were instrumental for PLDT, which is competing in the tournament without stars Savannah Davison, Kianna Dy, Dell Palomata, and Rhea Dimaculangan.
(C) PVL Images
“I don’t have words. But of course, I’m happy. Today all the girls showed their best game,” Samoilenko said.
Fiola Ceballos also dazzled with her all-around play, contributing 12 points, 14 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs.
Baron made a critical block on Bell for the team’s 14th point in the final set. She and Bedonia added nine and eight points, respectively.
Kim Fajardo, who earned Player of the Game honors, dished out 23 excellent sets and added two points. Meanwhile, team captain and defensive ace Kath Arado collected 24 excellent digs in the win.
PLDT will face the top-ranked Akari for the first time this conference when they clash in the knockout semifinals on Thursday at 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Bell’s 40-point explosion was not enough to save Chery Tiggo, who will miss the Final Four for the first time since the Invitational Conference. She also contributed 15 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
Galang, who injured her right knee during the final frame, finished with 12 points and eight excellent digs.
Rodriguez and Mylene Paat added nine and eight markers, respectively.
