ANTIPOLO – PLDT dominated the first two frames before fending off Farm Fresh in straight sets, 25-9, 25-13, 25-21, for a share of the top spot in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Saturday at the Ynares Center.
The High Speed Hitters hardly broke a sweat in the first and second frames before facing a tough challenge from the Foxies, which they eventually overcame, to tie defending champion Creamline at the pole position with identical 5-1 record.
“Mas happy kami na medyo na-continue namin ‘yung momentum from the last game kasi complacency ‘yung kalaban e, so happy naman kami na nag deliver kahit close ‘yung third set,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Farm Fresh tried to comeback in the third set, trimming a four-point deficit to just one, before back-to-back points from the High Speed Hitters from a Majoy Baron block and an Aprylle Tagsip error gave them a 22-19 edge.
Caitlyn Viray and Tagsip tried to keep the Foxies afloat, but Savannah Davison took over and scored PLDT’s last three points to finish the game.
“Happy kasi nakuha na namin ‘yung momentum and mas nakikilala na namin ‘yung isa’t isa sa loob ng court and mas nakakasunod kami sa sistema,” said Baron, who was named Player of the Game.
Davison displayed another well-rounded game, finishing with 21 points on 17 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to go along with seven excellent receptions to lead the High Speed Hitters in their third-straight win.
Baron tallied 11 points on seven attacks, two blocks, and two aces while Fiola Ceballos and Erika Santos scored eight markers each in the 69-minute encounter.
Kath Arado registered 17 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions while Kim Fajardo dished out 13 excellent sets to go along with three points.
PLDT will return to action on April 2 versus Akari, 4:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
On the other hand, Farm Fresh has now lost back-to-back games after their stunning win over Chery Tiggo, dropping them to 2-4 tied with Galeries Tower at the eighth and ninth spots.
Viray led the way for the Foxies with 11 points while Chinnie Arroyo and Rizza Cruz had six points apiece. Tubu, who only played in the second and third sets, was limited to just two points.
Farm Fresh will look to recover against Cignal on April 4, 4:00 p.m. also at the Philsports Arena.
