PLDT heads into the Holy Week break with much to reflect on and be thankful for, particularly after its 25-9, 25-13, 25-21 victory over Farm Fresh that kept the High Speed Hitters on pace with the Creamline Cool Smashers at the top halfway through the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Saturday night.
Carrying the momentum of their five-set escape that snapped the Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ four-game win run last Tuesday, the High Speed Hitters controlled the match against the Foxies in a performance that reflected their character and resolve honed through their recent experiences against the league’s top contenders.
While the Foxies put up a gallant stand in the third set, the High Speed Hitters never wavered, flashing their endgame savvy then Savi Davison finished off their opponents with crisp back-to-back crosscout kills.
“We were able to bring our momentum from our last game, mas nakilala namin ung team namin na nagka-character dahil sa experience namin against the Flying Titans (We got to know our team better, which built character because of our experience against the Flying Titans),” said middle Majoy Baron, who scored 11 points, including seven on attack, two blocks and two aces to earn the game’s top honors.
The former F2 Logistics standout also expressed satisfaction with her seamless integration into coach Rald Ricafort’s system, saying: “It’s super fun, kasi parang ang dali ng work namin. Binibigay lahat ang mga information at kami naman sumusunod lang sa system ni coach. Nagbubunga naman ang lahat ng pinaghihirapan (Our work seems easy. Coach provides all the necessary information, and we just follow his system. All our hard work pays off).”
True enough, the High Speed Hitters looked ready for a crack at the championship, racking up three straight victories since dropping a shutout loss to the Petro Gazz Angels last March 2. With a 5-1 slate, they are tied with the Cool Smashers for the top spot heading to their next match against the Akari Chargers on April 2.
“We need to rest since we played consecutive games. Against Akari, we also need to prepare well,” added Baron.
The Foxies came threateningly close at 18-19 in the third on Kate Santiago’s smart backrow off-speed hit. But the High Speed Hitters swiftly quelled their uprising, foiling Chin Arroyo’s attack and regaining a three-point cushion on an Aprylle Tagsip long attack.
Davison then took over to deliver the killer blows. She finished with 21 points, including three kill blocks, while Fiola Ceballos and Erika Santos added eight points apiece and Dell Palomata scored five markers.
Caitlyn Viray led Farm Fresh with 11 points while Arroyo and Rizza Cruz each had six markers and Santiago wound up with five points. But Trisha Tubu struggled with just two points in a two-set stint, unable to pierce through PLDT’s solid net defense.
Farm Fresh slipped to 2-4.
