PLDT eliminated Gerflor from semifinals contention with a 25-18, 25-17, 26-24 victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The High Speed Hitters bounced back with a win, bringing their record to 2-1 and tying Chery Tiggo in Pool A for second place behind the undefeated Creamline.
“Proud kami doon sa hugot namin si Fiola kasi mabigat samin yung pagkawala ni Jov, hindi lang doon sa skills eh, yung leader namin sa loob na inasahan ko talaga from the start. Mabigat yung nawala siya pero buti nagampanan ni Fiola knowing si Jov medyo hindi pa 100 percent,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Prado injured her left knee in the second set during their loss to Creamline last Thursday.
Dell Palomata led a 6-2 run by the High Speed Hitters, bringing them to match point with a five-point lead, 24-19.
However, fueled by Mina Aganon-Digal and Alyssa Bertolano’s consistent jump serves, the Defenders fought back, scoring five consecutive points to force a tie at 24-all.
Nevertheless, Erika Santos made two of her four points in the next few plays, securing the much-needed victory for PLDT to keep their chances alive for a spot in the semifinals.
Fiola Ceballos led four High Speed Hitters in double figures with 13 points, accompanied by nine digs and nine excellent receptions. Palomata contributed 12 points, Michelle Morente had 11 points, and Royse Tubino added 10. Kath Arado showcased her usual performance with 20 digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Bertolano was the top scorer for the Defenders with 12 points, complemented by 14 excellent receptions. Digal managed to score seven points despite only playing in the third set.
PLDT and the Crossovers will face each other on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to break their even records.
Meanwhile, the Defenders will strive to win their final game in the pool play, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. earlier on the same day.
