PLDT scuttles Petron

PLDT experimented in the third set, but still got enough to overpower Petron, 25-15, 25-21, 14-25, 25-17, even as Cagayan downed Cignal, 25-14, 18-25, 27-25, 25-23, last night in the Philippine Super Liga volleyball Grand Prix at Ynares Arena in Pasig.

PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb tweaked his rotation by fielding  in relief setter Rubie De Leon for  Kaylee Manns, allowing Petron to take the third  set.

Gorayeb then launched his full arsenal in the fourth, enabling the Speed Boosters to post their third win in as many games.

Savannah Noyes and Sue Roces posted 17 and 15 points, respectively, to lead the PLDT offense. Maruja Banaticla added 10, while Angela Benting chipped in nine markers.

Manns even scored eight and was in her typical impressive form setting up the charge, making 40 excellents of 94 set attempts. Lizlee Ann Pantone was also sharp on defense making 15 receptions and seven digs.

Earlier, Thais Wanida Kotruang and Patcharee Saengmuang joined hands to give the Lady Rising Suns their third win in four games.

Kotruang topscored with 21 points, including 16 spikes, while Saengmuang scattered 17 points, including 14 attacks for Cagayan, which tied idle TMS Philippine Army.

Jen Reyes flashed nine digs and eight receives to complement Cagayan’s solid firepower, while April Jose orchestrated the plays with 44 excellents in digs.

It was the second loss in four games by the HD Spikers despite heavy scoring from imports Li ZhanZhan and Xie Lei who accounted for 16 and 13 points, respectively. Abigail Praca added 12 for Cignal.