PLDT sustained its hot streak, winning its fourth consecutive game at the expense of the Akari, 25-14, 21-25, 25-12, 25-15 in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Rhea Dimaculangan steered the High Speed Hitters’ balanced offensive attack and dished 22 excellent sets along with three points in the win.
Michelle Morente led the scoring with 14 points while Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes had 13 and 10 points, respectively, as PLDT tied F2 Logistics at the second spot with identical 4-1 records.
The High Speed Hitters immediately seized control of the first set but the Chargers fought back in the second set and eventually tied the series at 1-all. PLDT, though, quickly bounced back in the third and scored a whopping 25-12 win that put them ahead at 2-1.
In the fourth frame, the High Speed Hitters built a comfortable eight-point, 22-14 advantage after Jessey De Leon and Morente cashed in on a running attack and an off-the-block hit, respectively.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat stopped the bleeding with an off-the-block attack of her own but an attack error on Erika Raagas, which Morente followed with a drop, pushed PLDT at match point. Jovy Prado then ended the game with an ace.
“Actually sabi ko after ng first set, yung magiging kalaban namin is complacency. So, nag-dilang anghel, natuloy nga at nag-relax yung mga players. Puro errors, yung execution namin bumaba [after nung first set],” said coach Rald Ricafort.
Mean Mendrez chipped in nine points while Prado had an all-around game of eight points, 14 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Santiago-Manabat paced the 1-4 Akari with 10 points while Eli Soyud and Trisha Genesis had seven points each.
PLDT will go up against the league-leading Creamline on Tuesday at 4:00 PM (Philsports Arena) while Akari will return on Saturday at 6:30 PM to face Chery Tiggo (Filoil EcoOil Centre).
