MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters cruised to a 25-17, 25-23, and 25-22 straight-set victory over NxLed Chameleons in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite struggling to finish off the Chameleons, the High Speed Hitters came through with timely shots, from Savannah Davison’s power blasts and Jessey de Leon’s quick hits, to pound out the victory in one hour and 29 minutes.
Davison top-scored with 13 points, all on attacks; de Leon added 11 markers; and Mary Joy Baron ended with 10 markers as the High Speed Hitters tied Chery Tiggo Crossovers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans on top with a 2-0 win-loss slate.
Despite the victory, High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort said they still need to work on some things, especially with their next game against Brooke Van Sickle and the Petro Gazz Angels on March 2.
“We’re happy that we were able to sustain our momentum from our last game. But there’s still a lot of things to be fixed. Mabigat ang susunod na kalaban,” said Ricafort in a post-game interview.
Ivy Lacsina shone for Nxled with 12 points, Camille Victoria and Krich Macaslang scored seven points apiece, and Lycha Ebon, Cal, and May Luna combined for 14 markers as they dropped to 0-2.
Meanwhile, the Flying Titans survived a tough stand by Petro Gazz Angels for a 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13 escape for their second victory. The Angels dropped to a 1-1 record.
Holding to a 14-9 advantage late in the fourth set, the Flying Titans struggled to close out the match after surrendering four straight points to the Angels, which cut the deficit to 13-14.
Petro Gazz, however, were unable to tie the score as Marian Buitre committed a costly service error, handing the victory to Choco Mucho.
“Para sa akin, always all out lang talaga, pero hindi ko naman magagawa ‘yun without the help of my coaches and teammates,” said Marionne Alba, who was named Player of the Game with 25 excellent sets./PN
