By: Ohmer Bautista
Just a loss away from elimination, the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters out-muscled the defending champions Cignal HD Spikers, pulling out the upset rug in five backbreaking sets, 22-25, 27-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11, in the Premier Volleyball League Men’s Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
“Bunga ng preparation,” declared PLDT head coach Odjie Mamon. “Last time nawalan kami ng pasa, this time we made sure na maco-cover namin ‘yung lapses ng nakaraan.”
Down two sets to one, the Fast Hitters embodied their monicker, relying on quick, combination hits to force a decider.
The Fast Hitters then swiftly mounted a 5-3 advantage in the decisive set. Cignal HD, however, tied things up, 7-all, after a PLDT error. Then the Fast Hitters unloaded an 8-4 spurt – highlighted by three consecutive hits from Mark Alfafara – to seal the game for good.
The hard-hitting duo of Alfafara and John Vic De Guzman finished with an identical 24 points each, with the former built on 19 spikes, two blocks, and three aces.
Meanwhile, Marck Espejo’s all around outing with 24 markers, 16 digs, and 17 receptions went for naught, as Cignal HD missed the golden opportunity of barging in the Finals in two games.
When asked about what he will remind the team for the do-or-die game on Friday, July 6, PLDT head coach Odjie Mamon replied, “It’s all about attitude. ‘Yun lang.”
The Scores:
PLDT (3) – Alfafara 24, De Guzman 24, Pecana 12, Sumagaysay 10, Franco 4, Villegas 1, Umandal 1, Vecina 0, Melgar (L).
Cignal (2) – Espejo 24, Marasigan 17, Intal 14, Miguel 8, Pertierra 8, Torres 7, Bonono 4, Villanueva 1, Polvorosa 1, Mangulabnan 0, Capate 0, Montero (L).
