MANILA – PLDT High Speed Hitters bounced back from a shaky first set to assert their dominance over Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-22, 25-6, 25-9, in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Filipina-Canadian star Savannah Davison tallied 19 points, built on 16 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, to be named Player of the Game in the High Speed Hitters’ season-opening win.
Jules Samonte added 15 markers, Ilongga Fiola Ceballos added seven markers, while newcomers Kim Fajardo and Mary Joy Baron, who delivered 11 excellent sets and two points, and four points, respectively.
The High Speed Hitters were shorthanded in their season debut against the Highrisers, with Kim Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, and Jovielyn Prado dealing with separate injuries.
After being pushed to the limit in the first set, the High Speed Hitters flexed their firepower in the second and third sets with dominant 25-6 and 25-9 scores, en route to a walkaway win.
“We just go back to the basics from second set onwards,” Davison said. “We just controlled our side of the court, limiting our errors and miscues. It is so nice to start the conference on a winning note.”
Norielle Ipac top-scored for Galeries with seven points while Shola Alvarez and France Ronquillo scored four points apiece and Andrea Marzan, Carly Hernandez and Ysa Jimenez posted three points each for Galeries Tower.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho Flying Titans kicked off their campaign on a resounding note as they walloped NxLed Chameleons, 25-12, 25-22, 25-18, to join Petro Gazz Angels, Chery Tiggo Crossovers and PLDT at the helm.
Reigning MVP Cherry Ann Rondina displayed her dazzling skills with a remarkable 17-point performance, delivering thundering hits from both wings and the backrow to lead the Flying Titans.
“Magtitiwala pa din kami sa sistema ni coach Dante (Alinsunurin), sa mga programa ng coaches namin,” Rondina said in a post-game interview. “Siyempre magtatrabaho pa din kami kung ano ‘yung pinapagawa sa amin.”/PN
