MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters punched their way to the semifinals of the PVL On Tour by sweeping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19, in the knockout quarterfinals on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena.
Filipina-Canadian spiker Savannah Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 28 points in only her third appearance in the pre-season as they kept their unbeaten record.
Davison, who was reinserted into the starting unit by coach Rald Ricafort, seamlessly blended back into the system, providing the firepower and energy that helped neutralize ZUS Coffee’s previously surging attack.
“I was surprised to start for the team, but at least I was able to contribute in the way that I know how,” she said. “The girls welcomed me with open arms, and I couldn’t be any happier.”
Jovielyn Prado added 10 points, Kim Kianna Dy chipped in eight, Aklanon Dell Palomata and Majoy Baron contributed five apiece. Setter Kim Fajardo also tallied 19 excellent sets.
Rookie AC Miner paced the Thunderbelles with 13 points, Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga was limited to seven, while Kate Santiago and Ilongga Fiola Ceballos added five apiece.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers leaned on the hot hands of Erika Santos to score a 25-20, 25-11, 28-26 sweep of Akari Power Chargers in the other knockout quarterfinals match.
Santos, a recent addition to the team, exploded for 24 points off 22 attacks, one block, and one service ace to lead the HD Spikers into the knockout semifinals on Tuesday.
“Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa tiwala ni coach (Ceseal ‘Shaq’ Delos Santos) sa akin kahit na bago lang ako dito,” said the former De La Salle University Lady Spiker standout after the match.
Roselyn Doria-Aquino added 10 points, including nine from attacks, while Ishie Lalong-Isip chipped in nine markers for the HD Spikers./PN
