PLDT took care of a Ced Domingo-less Akari, securing a 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 victory and claiming a share of the leadership in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.
With their fourth straight win, the High-Speed Hitters joined Creamline atop the team standings with a 6-1 record.
Majoy Baron, Savi Davison, and Dell Palomata all contributed to PLDT’s surge in the third set, turning a 5-7 deficit into a commanding 15-8 lead.
Although Akari kept fighting, they couldn’t overcome a three-point barrier as Jules Samonte, Davison, and Erika Santos sealed the win for the High-Speed Hitters.
“Happy na nag-perform kami, malakas yung Akari eh. Sadyang yung complacency pinakaproblema namin kung sakali pero nagperform naman, okay lang kahit ganon yung scores basta nakuha namin. Medyo may bwelo kami going to the latter part of the tournament,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort following the one-hour and 35-minute victory.
Baron secured her second consecutive Player of the Game honors with 13 points, including eight attacks, three aces, and two blocks.
Davison contributed 11 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Santos added nine points.
Kim Fajardo set the tone with 14 excellent sets and eight points, while Dell Palomata and Fiola Ceballos each scored seven points.
Grethcel Soltones contributed eight points, 11 receptions, and six digs as the Chargers fell to 2-5, suffering their second consecutive defeat.
Dindin Manabat led Akari with nine points, while Erika Raagas added eight points in two sets of action.
Domingo did not play due to right knee pain she experienced during training.
PLDT will aim for a fifth straight victory next Tuesday at the same Pasig venue against the struggling Strong Group, while Akari will return to action on Saturday against Galeries Tower at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
