Its poise and resolve tested by a tenacious Nxled side, PLDT pulled through in a tightly contested first set and then broke away late in the next two to secure a 32-30, 25-18, 25-17 sweep and remain the only unbeaten team in Pool A of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena Tuesday night.
The High Speed Hitters blew several set points in the opening frame but managed to save a couple of their own before subduing the stubborn Chameleons. They then dismantled their rivals with decisive runs in the second set and dominated the third to seal their third straight victory in one hour and 38 minutes.
The Chameleons fought back from a 6-14 deficit in the third frame to close the gap to 14-16, but the High Speed Hitters maintained their composure. Clutch hits and blocks from Erika Santos and Majoy Baron, combined with Mika Reyes’ smart plays, ensured the rout was completed.
“Kung ano yung daily routine ko, yun din ang ginawa ko, wala naman nabago,” said Santos, who earned the game’s top honors with a 19-point performance, highlighted by 16 attack points at a 42 percent attack efficiency.
Santos, whose lean frame belies her incredible power, had previously scored just five points against Creamline and nine against Galeries Tower.
“It’s a good start. Sana maituloy-tuloy namin pero mabigat yung last two games,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, whose wards will go for a five-game pool sweep against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers on Aug. 3 and versus the Farm Fresh Foxies on Aug. 8.
Santos’ impressive output alleviated some pressure off Elena Samoilenko, who settled for a 20-point showing, while Fiola Ceballos added eight markers. Baron posted a five-block game for six points, and Reyes and Kim Fajardo each finished with five points.
Reyes accounted for three of PLDT’s last five points with soft but effective swipes off quick plays, the last of which came after three failed bids to close out the contest. Samoilenko also finished with nine excellent receptions.
Nxled fell to 1-2, tied with Farm Fresh, lamenting the missed opportunities to steal the opening frame after initially thwarting PLDT’s bid and earning two chances to take the set.
With import Hart Meegan struggling and scoring only seven points, Chiara Permentilla and Trisha Genesis took charge for the Chameleons, firing 15 and 12 points respectively. However, their efforts, along with Jaila Atienza’s six points, Lycha Ebon’s five markers, and Jaja Maraguinot’s four points, were not enough to propel the team to victory.
PLDT dominated the spiking duel, 52-41, and out-blocked the Chameleons 11-6. While the High Speed Hitters conceded six aces, they capitalized on their rivals’ miscues, netting 19 points while conceding 12 of their own.
Ceballos also shone in defense, recording 12 excellent digs and five receptions, while Fajardo contributed 14 excellent sets.
