Despite being eliminated just hours prior to hitting the court, the also-ran PLDT team still showed up and took care of business against the semis-bound Creamline.
The High Speed Hitters brought down the Cool Smashers in four sets, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 27-25, marking their first-ever franchise victory over the reigning champions in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, held Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
PLDT defeated Creamline for the first time since joining the PVL in 2021, ending an eight-game losing streak against them.
“Nabanggit naman sa kanila iyong mindset going into this game, syempre ayun nga to end it on a high note at the same time, iyon talaga– ang goal talaga every conference is to get nine wins,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
Savannah Davison delivered a game-high 27 points, including 25 from attacks, along with 15 excellent receptions to lead PLDT, who were booted out of contention after Chery Tiggo’s five-set win over Galeries Tower earlier in the day.
The Cool Smashers threatened to send the game to a fourth set after Tots Carlos nailed an off-the-block attack, but Erika Santos hammered one in to hand the High Speed Hitters a 25-24 advantage.
Jema Galanza then gave the Cool Smashers hope following a down-the-line hit, but Santos answered back anew with a combination play before Majoy Baron blocked Galanza to secure the victory, 27-25, helping PLDT wrap up their elimination round campaign with a win.
“So akala namin, ayun nga kung ‘di natin nakuha ‘to talagang two games behind. Sana next conference makuha na namin. Pero at least, natapos at saka yung preparation namin para sa next conference medyo positive,” said Ricafort.
PLDT finished the preliminaries with an 8-3 record tied with Creamline, but the High Speed Hitters only had 23 points across their name, which was not enough to surpass the current tally of the Cool Smashers (24 pts) or Petro Gazz (25 pts).
Santos finished with 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Fiola Ceballos added 13 markers along with 10 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Kim Fajardo tossed 16 excellent sets along with three points, while Kath Arado collected 16 excellent digs in the victory.
Meanwhile, Galanza topped the scoring for the Cool Smashers with 16 points, including 14 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Carlos, who played off the bench, and Jeanette Panaga had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals will begin on Tuesday.
