PLDT continued its winning streak, handing Gerflor an embarrassing straight-set defeat with scores of 25-8, 25-9, 25-17 in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The High Speed Hitters, who rested Mika Reyes and Michelle Morente, received significant contributions from their bench, propelling them to the third spot in the standings with a 4-1 win-loss record.
“Na-explain naman sa kanila ‘yun. Regardless kung sino ‘yung kalaban, ‘yung mga nasa mataas na pwesto o ‘yung mga bagong teams, basta naco-control namin para lang ma-manage ‘yung minutes ng starters,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Alam naman nila ‘yun sa training at talagang kaya nilang gawin. Buti na-perform kahit papaano,” he added.
Ricafort fielded all 14 of his players in the match, and 12 of them scored at least one point in the game, which lasted just an hour and three minutes.
The High Speed Hitters excelled in their serving, delivering 14 aces while also limiting the Defenders to just 20 attack points in the contest.
PLDT led by as much as 17 points in the opening set, setting the tone for the lopsided match.
“Yung lesson sa amin noong Nxled, nagsimula kami nang mabagal, kaya at least medyo nakabawi sila ngayon. Maganda rin ang services, kaya medyo naging madali ‘yung buhay namin sa counter attack,” said Ricafort.
Rachel Austero and Jules Samonte led the team with 10 points each, with Austero contributing three kill blocks and Samonte scoring three service aces for the High Speed Hitters.
Savannah Davison added nine points and five excellent receptions, while Fiola Ceballos had eight points and six excellent digs.
Rhea Dimaculangan delivered 18 excellent sets along with three markers in the victory.
PLDT will face Galeries Tower on Thursday at 2:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
On the other hand, no player from Gerflor reached double digits in scoring. Danika Gendraulo, Jeanette Villareal, and Mary Grace Berte each scored four points in the Defenders’ fifth consecutive loss.
Gerflor will seek its first victory against F2 Logistics earlier on that day at 12:00 PM.
