PLDT completed the semifinals cast in the in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday night. after escaping Chery Tiggo in a three-and-a-half-hour thriller, 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-27, 15-12 on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
With the scores locked at 11-all, Mean Mendrez and Dell Palomata scored on consecutive attempts to give the High Speed Hitters a 13-11 advantage in the crucial fifth set.
Imee Hernandez stopped the bleeding with a quick hit but Palomata and Mendrez once again came through for PLDT, soaring over the net to deny Hernandez and Eya Laure, respectively, to clinch the victory.
Mendrez scored a team-high 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks while Palomata tallied 14 points to help the High Speed Hitters take the second seed in Pool A with a 3-1 slate.
Michelle Morente added 12 points and 11 excellent receptions while Fiolla Ceballos registered 10 markers and 16 excellent receptions for PLDT.
It was a back and forth affair that saw both teams scratching and clawing for the last semis spot.
The High Speed Hitters pulled through in the pivotal third set that was close throughout, blew a four-point bulge (13-9) – a luxury in such kind of a duel – in the fourth that took 48 minutes to finish but proved steadier and tougher in the stretch of an encounter that also turned into a duel of staying power.
“Siguro test of character yung laging nireremind sa players. Though galing na kami doon sa pangit na talo, sabi namin ang mindset lang today is ‘wag na bigyan ng pressure kung sino mananalo, yun makakapasok. Basta normal game,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
Mylene Paat’s 29-point explosion went down the drain as the 2-2 Crossovers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive conference.
Pauline Gaston delivered 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while Hernandez had 12 points. Eya Laure, meanwhile, was held to eight markers.
PLDT will head to the six-team semis while Chery Tiggo will take on Choco Mucho in the battle for 7th place.
