PLDT downs Army, grabs Super Liga lead

Getting a major lift from its American imports, PLDT My DSL scored a stunning 25-13, 25-20, 25-22 upset of powerhouse TMS Philippine Army yesterday in the PSL volleyball Grand Prix at Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

Kaylee Manns combined with towering Savannah Noyes in slamming winners as PLDT swept on top with a 2-0 slate after downing the Invitational champions Lady Troopers.

“We’re happy because they are the strongest team in the league in my opinion,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb. “But I was surprised we beat them by a large margin because this team (Army) has been playing together for many years.”

In the second women’s match, Cagayan woke up from a first-set slumber to roll back RC Cola, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-12, and lift the Lady Rising Suns into a tie with the Lady Troopers at 2-1.

The Raiders, meanwhile, have now lost two straight.

Manns had 40 excellent sets while contributing eight points. Noyes scored 13 points, 10 of them through easy slams by the net.

Leading the balanced PLDT attack was lanky spiker Sue Roces with 14 points. Lou Ann Latigay added six points while Charo Soriano chipped in five for the Speed Boosters, who won in just one hour and nine minutes.

“This is a good game for us, but we have a long way to go,” said Gorayeb, whose charges practice five times a week though they play only once a week.

Jovelyn Gonzaga scored 10 points for the Lady Troopers, who drew little help from reinforcements  Wanitchaya Luangtonglang of Thailand  and Japanese libero Yuki Murakoshi.