PLDT piles on Sta. Lucia’s woes, snaps five-game skid

Coming off a five-game slump, the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters snapped out of their funk, holding off the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in four sets, 20-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-18, in the 2019 PSL All-Filipino Conference at the Muntinlupa Sports Center, Tuesday.

“Natutuwa. Kahit papano, nakabawi-bawi na, pero talagang itong conference na ‘to talagang nag-struggle kami sa lahat. Hindi ko alam bakit,” PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb admitted.

With the win, the Power Hitters improved to a 3-6 win-loss record to keep hold of the sixth seed. Moreover, they pushed the Lady Realtors to their 10th straight loss in 11 matches.

Aiko Urdas top-scored with 20 points, all coming from attacks. Gretchel Soltones, who nailed the match-clincher in the fourth set, had a 10-point, nine-reception outing off the bench.

Sasa Devanadera and Shola Alvarez chipped eight points apiece, with the latter also tallying 15 digs. PLDT setter Gel Cayuna tossed 17 excellent sets to go along with three markers, while veteran libero Lizlee Pantone protected the floor with 19 digs.

“Maayos yung nilaro ng lahat. Si Shola maayos, si Aiko maayos offensively – sana ganun siya lagi. Ganda na ng support ng iba,” Gorayeb added.

It was an error-marred start for the Power Hitters, but they managed to buck a sluggish opener and control the tempo afterwards. Errors then spelled disaster for Sta. Lucia, who surrendered 37 points from errors alone in the latter portions of each ensuing sets.

The Lady Realtors leaned on MJ Phillips, who notched 19 points in a losing cause. Rachel Austero managed 13 markers while Roselle Baliton supplied 10 points.

PLDT will try to build on this win and pull off a stunner when they face the Petron Blaze Spikers. Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia look to dispel their dry spell when they take on Marinerang Pilipina. Both games will be played on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.