Mika Reyes made sure that PLDT will secure the third seed in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday night.
Reyes stepped up in the tight third set and prevented the upset-seeking Choco Mucho from gaining a set advantage.
The 6-foot middle blocker out of La Salle broke a 23-all deadlock with a running attack before hammering down a quick to put the High Speed Hitters ahead, 2-1, before eventually taking the fourth frame en route to a 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-16 win over the Flying Titans.
“Lahat kami nagreremind sa isa’t isa na kumuha ng isang point lang kasi ayaw rin namin isipin agad na matatalo kami sa set na yun,” said Reyes after the win.
“I think yung reminders ng isa’t isa mas nakatulong talaga para ma-push namin yung isang puntos na yun.”
Reyes finished with 18 points on 13 attacks, four blocks, and an ace to help PLDT finish with a 6-2 win-loss record – good for the third seed. With this, the High Speed Hitters are set to face Petro Gazz in the best-of-three semifinals.
PLDT escaped the Angels in five sets back in their elimination round match-up 21-25, 31-29, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13 last February 23.
Reyes said that the High Speed Hitters will maximize their remaining time to prepare against Petro Gazz on Saturday.
“Sabi nga ni coach, gusto nilang bumawi samin. And kailangan namin i-maximize yung day, yung tomorrow, para makapag-recover and makapagplano kung ano yung gagawin namin sa Sabado so, magiging maganda yung laban,” said Reyes.
“I think sa lahat naman ng aspects. Lalo na ngayon may different na system na inaapply yung bagong coaches namin. So, tinatry namin na maka-adjust kagad. So wala nang ibang oras, kasi ngayon, semis na namin kaya as soon as possible kailangan makaadapt kami.”
