Royse Tubino stepped up as PLDT sent F2 Logistics, without Kianna Dy, to its second consecutive loss, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Tubino posted a game-high 20 points on 18 attacks, an ace, and a block to help the High-Speed Hitters bounce back from their tough straight-sets loss to Cignal last Thursday.
“Siyempre very happy na bumawi yung mga players kasi medyo bad game nung Cignal. Pero mahirap talaga yung schedule kahit siguro with F2 kapag galing ka sa five sets na 10 o’ clock na natapos,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Yung rest napakaimportante kinukulang talaga nasaktuhan lang siguro namin na sila naman yung pagod this time and natake advantage namin yung situation,” he added.
The High-Speed Hitters went on a tear in the final set, establishing a huge 19-10 advantage after a quick play by Dell Palomata.
F2 Logistics managed to narrow the gap to six points, 15-21, after a string of errors from PLDT’s side, but it was not enough as Erika Santos put on the finishing touches to seal the win.
Fiola Ceballos contributed nine points in the victory, while Palomata added eight.
Both the High Speed Hitters and the Cargo Movers now hold identical 1-2 records in the semis phase.
PLDT will take on Kinh Bắc-Bắc Ninh on Monday at 6:30 p.m., while F2 Logistics looks to keep its finals hopes alive on Tuesday against Kurashiki Blaze, also at 6:30 p.m.
Myla Pablo led the way for the Cargo Movers with 10 points, while Aby Maraño and Majoy Baron each had nine markers.
Kianna Dy missed the game due to an injury. She was taken out early in the fourth set of their match against Creamline last Thursday.
