After spending a full conference together, PLDT’s chemistry is now stronger than ever all thanks to the almost three-month break prior to the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
And that bond definitely showed in the High Speed Hitters’ 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 debut win over the short-handed Chery Tiggo on Tuesday.
“Yung chemistry unti-unti na naming nakukuha,” said PLDT head coach George Pascua.
According to Pascua, the break after the Open Conference did wonders for the team — which underwent a massive overhaul prior to the season.
“Before kasi, very tight yung preparation namin tapos tuluy-tuloy yung games so yung adjustment [period] at least ngayon medyo mahaba-haba. Na-achieve namin yun,” he further explained.
High Speed Hitters star middle blocker Mika Reyes put up a game-high 15 points in the contest off 12 attacks and three blocks.
The former La Salle standout, though, deflected the credit to her teammates.
“Nakita ko na nag-contribute lahat and sabi ko nga rin kay coach kanina na hindi ako makakapuntos kung walang nagre-receive para sa akin so lahat gumana, lahat talaga nag-trabaho,” said Reyes, a five-time PSL champion.
It was a total team effort for PLDT with Chin Basas (14), Jules Samonte (11), and Fiola Ceballos (10) back-stopping Reyes in the scoring department.
Team captain Rhea Dimaculangan did her magic, dishing out 21 excellent sets while Ceballos stepped up her defensive game with 14 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Libero Kath Arado also chipped in nine digs.
“Nag-improve rin talaga lahat [sa amin],” Reyes said.
Now enjoying the fruit of their hard work, Reyes hopes that they can sustain this momentum moving forward as they look to surpass their fifth-place finish last conference.
“Siguro kailangan lang maging consistent and yung patience ng bawat isa especially for sure lahat ng teams ngayon nag-prepare and lahat din talaga ayaw mag-patalo. We have to take it one game at a time,” she added.
Next up for Reyes and the High Speed Hitters are reigning Open Conference champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday at 2:30 PM.
“Hopefully mag tuluy-tuloy kasi next game, champions yung makakalaban namin so mapapalaban talaga kami.”
