Richard Gomez-boosted PLDT beats Systema in PSL Grand Prix

MANILA, Philippines — Celebrity Richard Gomez gave PLDT MyDSL a lift as the Speed Boosters pick up a hard-earned 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 win over TVM-Systema in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

The game marked the first commercial volleyball match in a long while and it didn’t disappoint as both squads went back-and-forth.

Gomez made his presence felt early and was able to sustain his play throughout the course of the game.

He finished with nine points, eight on attacks and a service ace.

“What we do is we really train hard. The coaches expect us to play well every game,” said the 47-year-old Gomez, who also dedicated the game to the people in Ormoc City, his wife Lucy Torres’ hometown, one of the worst-hit areas by super typhoon “Yolanda.”

Systema looked tentative at first but it didn’t take long before the team got into the flow of things and show its strength with AJ Pareja and PJ Rojas anchoring the charge.

Pareja and Rojas though, were neutralized in the third set as PLDT’s floor and net defense stood its ground amid the relentless attacks of Systema’s main offensive source.

Gomez, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in fencing, brought the Speed Boosters to within a couple of points away from securing the win, 23-20, and had the chance to close Systema out but his attempt was too strong.

Henry Pecaña sealed PLDT’s win with a spike off a good reception and timely set.