MANILA — PLDT High Speed Hitters wasted no time shaking off their recent setback, hammering out a commanding 25-23, 25-23, 25-13 sweep of ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles to reassert themselves as contenders in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.
Determined to respond after a stinging defeat, the High Speed Hitters leaned on composure and firepower to improve to 4-1, finishing strong with a dominant third-set blitz that left the Thunderbelles reeling.
Kim Kianna Dy delivered a statement performance, firing 16 points to earn Best Player of the Game honors and anchor PLDT’s bounce-back win.
“Coming off a loss, we knew we had to respond. We had to step up and bounce back – and I think it showed today,” Dy said in a post-game interview. “We gave our best.”
Savi Davison paced PLDT with a match-high 17 points, while Alleiah Malaluan added seven markers. Jessey de Leon provided a spark off the bench with six points, and Mika Reyes chipped in five.
Though the straight-sets result suggested control, PLDT had to grind through two tight opening frames as ZUS Coffee stayed within striking distance behind disciplined floor defense and timely hits. But once the High Speed Hitters found their rhythm, they pulled away decisively in the third, overwhelming the Thunderbelles with sustained pressure and cleaner execution.
Jovelyn Gonzaga led ZUS Coffee with 10 points, while Chai Troncoso and Chinnie Arroyo contributed six each. Renee Peñafiel and Riza Nogales added five apiece as the Thunderbelles dropped to 1-5.
In the other marquee clash, Akari Power Chargers showcased grit and resilience, clawing back to stun the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12.
Negrense hitter Christine Joy Soyud rose to the occasion with 14 points, including a crucial net-grazing hit in the fifth set that swung momentum in Akari’s favor and secured their second straight victory for a 2-3 slate.
With the deciding set knotted at 8-all, the Chargers leaned on their core, as Soyud attacked aggressively at the net to create separation. Her clutch plays complemented Akari’s imposing net defense in the closing stretch.
Ivy Lacsina powered the Chargers with 20 points, while Mereophe Sharma and Celine Domingo tallied 16 and 14, respectively. Grethcel Soltones sealed the win with a well-placed power tip that capped the comeback thriller./PN
