Coming off a rousing debut win over Creamline, PLDT sustained its momentum and defeated Galeries Tower in straight sets, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The High Speed Hitters dominated throughout the match, leaving the Highrisers with no chance and achieving a 2-0 record in Pool A, which tied them with Chery Tiggo at the top of the standings.
“Happy na nakuha ‘yung panalo, happy din na nakapag-perform ‘yung second stringers,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, who utilized all 14 of his players in the one-hour and 25-minute encounter.
(C) PVL Images
Russian spiker Lena Samoilenko led with a game-high 14 points, including 11 attacks and three blocks, along with 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions for an all-around performance.
Fiola Ceballos supported Samoilenko with 10 points, built on nine attacks, while Erika Santos and Majoy Baron contributed nine and eight points, respectively, in the victory.
Team captain and defensive ace Kath Arado excelled defensively with 16 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
PLDT will face Farm Fresh on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. as they aim to break the tie with the Crossovers and take sole possession of the top spot.
“Siguro po kasi masaya kami, masaya kaming nagti-training. Saka ‘yung laging sinasabi ng coaches sa’min na ‘yung last game namin panalo kami, so magti-training kami nang masaya, magi-improve kami nang masaya, so walang negativity sa team,’” said Arado.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, France Ronquillo was the lone double-digit scorer for Galeries with 11 points as they dropped to 0-2 to start the import-laden conference.
Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim was limited to seven points but contributed defensively with 17 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
The Highrisers will try to bounce back against Chery Tiggo on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
