At last, a semifinals berth is finally on the horizon for PLDT after bagging their third win in four outings in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Sunday.
But make no mistake, Mika Reyes said that the High Speed Hitters are not thinking too far ahead as they look to take things one game at a time.
“Mindset talaga namin is one game at a time kasi hindi naman namin pwedeng isipin na dapat Cignal matalo namin, dapat Choco [Mucho] matalo namin, yung next game muna, doon muna kami mag fo-focus,” said PLDT’s star middle blocker after the team’s four-set win over the gutsy Army-Black Mamba.
“Lahat ng susunod na games sobrang importante na and hindi rin talaga magiging madali dahil alam naman namin na kung paano mag-laro yung mga makakalaban namin,” Reyes added.
The High Speed Hitters overcame a slow start to chalk up their third win at the expense of the Lady Troopers, 17-25, 25-11, 25-20, 25-18 in the league’s return to the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
While it was a huge win that definitely gave them a huge boost in the standings, Reyes is still not satisfied with the overall outcome, saying that the team must put their foot on the gas pedal as early as the first set to avoid playing from behind.
“Every game talaga kasi is very important lalo na yung remaining games and siguro lesson din sa amin ‘to na na siguro unang set pa lang talaga be aggressive na as possible kasi we respect Army so much na ayaw talaga namin mag-palapit ng score kasi alam naman namin na kaya nilang humabol,” said the four-time PSL Best Middle Blocker.
Reyes, who has been nothing but consistent for PLDT this conference, delivered three kill blocks to end up with nine points in the four-set win that put her side at the second spot tied with Creamline (3-1).
When asked about her outstanding performance this season, the 28-year-old middle blocker immediately deflected the credit to her teammates who, according to her, have been making life easier for her in the middle.
“With the help of my teammates pa rin talaga yun kasi hindi ko siya maba-block, hindi ako madadalian, hindi ko mababasa yung play nang ganun without the help of my teammates,” said the pride of Pulilan, Bulacan.
“Kunwari magse-serve nang maganda si Fio [Ceballos] so makakatapat na talaga ako sa spikers so mas napapadali nila yung trabaho ko. Hindi ko lang siya magagawa nang mag-isa, with my teammates pa rin talaga,” she added.
PLDT will look to secure its spot in the playoffs against Choco Mucho on Thursday, at 2:30 PM at the FilOil Ecooil Centre.
