MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters clawed back from a set down to defeatChery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Kim Fajardo displayed her efficient ball distribution as she finished with 23 excellent sets to be named Player of the Game as the High Speed Hitters clinched the third semifinal seat.
“Sobrang saya namin na nasa semis na kami,” Fajardo said after the game. “Sa akin, tiwala lang sa team eh, tiwala sa coaches, tiwala sa teammates, tsaka respeto rin sa kalaban.”
“Hindi ko puwedeng isipin na mayroon kaming reinforcement kasi buo ang tiwala ko sa lahat ng teammates ko eh, sa kanilang lahat,” added the former De La Salle University Lady Spikers setter.
Down by a set entering the fourth frame, the High Speed Hitters surged to an early lead behind attacks by Elena Samoilenko, Mary Joy Baron, and Negrense Kiesha Bedonia to force a deciding set.
Both teams were engaged in a tight exchange in the fifth set, with PLDT holding to a slim 10-9 lead before Samoilenko unloaded three straight attacks for a 13-9 lead before Baron sealed the victory with back-to-back blocks.
The High Speed Hitters will next face the top-seed Akari Power Chargers in a knockout semifinal match this afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Meanwhile, Creamline Cool Smashers displayed their championship poise to dethrone Petro Gazz Angels, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18, and earn a semifinals date with Cignal HD Spikers.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons continued her stellar play for the Cool Smashers as she finished with 16 points, built on 15 attacks and a service ace, as they secured their place in the semifinals round.
“Hindi pa tapos,” Pons said. “So magtatrabaho uli kami pero sobrang saya kasi na-survive namin itong game na ito. Alam namin na hindi madali (kalaban ang Petro Gazz), pero ginusto naming manalo.”/PN
