MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters set up a crucial semifinal race showdown with Choco Mucho Flying Titans after overcoming a stubborn Galeries Tower Highrisers squad, 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The victory lifted PLDT to a 4-3 record, tying Choco Mucho in the standings ahead of their pivotal November 19 clash at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Savannah Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 21 points and 16 receptions, while Kim Dy and Dell Palomata contributed 10 points apiece. Jessa Ordiales added eight markers.
PLDT dominated the opening set but encountered stiff resistance from the already-eliminated Highrisers, who narrowly lost the second frame before snatching the third.
The High Speed Hitters regained control in the fourth set, relying on improved serving and defensive adjustments to secure the victory.
Libero Kath Arado, named Player of the Game after recording 22 excellent digs, credited Galeries Tower’s defensive tenacity.
“Credit to Galeries Tower. Ang ganda talaga ng defense nila. We knew they would put up a fight because we had watched their previous games and saw how well they played,” said Arado.
“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game. But our adjustments, particularly with our service game, made the difference in the end,” she added.
Erika Deloria led Galeries Tower with 13 points, while Jean Asis scored 11. Aiza Pontillas and Jade Gentapa chipped in nine apiece as the Highrisers dropped to 1-6.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh Foxies tightened their grip on solo second place with a 25-17, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23 victory over Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Trisha Tubu unleashed 25 points, all from attacks, and added five excellent digs as the Foxies improved to 5-2 with their third consecutive win.
Mylene Rezanova contributed 10 points, while Negrense libero Maicah Larroza anchored the defense with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Farm Fresh’s victory further intensified the race for semifinal berths as the conference approaches its decisive stretch./PN
