PLDT snapped its three-game skid, sweeping F2 Logistics 25-21, 27-25, 25-23 to stay in quarterfinals contention in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena.
The High Speed Hitters showed poise under pressure, fending off every rally mounted by the Cargo Movers. Jolina Dela Cruz was lost in the second set after suffering an apparent leg injury on a dig attempt. PLDT improved its standing to 6-4, tying Petro Gazz at the fifth spot.
“Syempre happy from the loss sa Choco na game plus yung mga key members namin injured so nag-step up yung mga sila Anj [Legacion] at saka si Jules [Samonte]. Happy kami kailangan yung conference ng maayos,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
After a failed attempt to hijack the second set, F2 Logistics made another last-ditch effort to avoid another loss. They mounted a 3-0 run, kick-started by a couple of blocks from Majoy Baron and Ara Galang, tying the game at 23-all.
That, however, proved to be the last of it as Jules Samonte doused off the run with a cross-court hit before Royse Tubino fired a cross-court attack of her own to finish off the game after an hour and 34 minutes of play.
“Yung point kung ‘di manalo Cignal, kaya lang bottom team kalaban nila Gerflor so sana siguro himala ulit pero kung may chance talaga at palarin paghahandaan namin,” added Ricafort.
Davison unleashed 22 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to go along with 10 excellent receptions and six excellent digs for the High Speed Hitters.
PLDT missed the services of Rhea Dimaculangan and Erika Santos in the crucial contest due to minor injuries.
Dell Palomata chipped in 11 points on seven attacks and four blocks while Samonte, who filled in for Santos, had nine markers.
Angelica Legacion made the most out of her limited opportunity, stepping up for team captain Dimaculangan with 18 excellent sets in the win.
PLDT will take on Petro Gazz on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Cargo Movers ended their campaign with five consecutive losses, dropping to a 4-7 win-loss record.
Myla Pablo top-scored for F2 Logistics with 14 points, going along with six excellent digs, while Galang and Ivy Lacsina added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
