Super Liga elims sweep for PLDT

AMERICAN reinforcement Savannah Noyes sparkled as PLDT MyDSL downed Cagayan, 25-16, 25-17, 22-25, 26-24, yesterday to sweep the women’s eliminations of the Philippine Super Liga volleyball Grand Prix at Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

The statuesque Noyes erupted for 23 points, 20 of them on the attack, as the Speed Boosters clinched the No. 1 spot in the semifinals with their fifth straight victory.

Sue Roces added 15 points for PLDT, which relaxed a bit after winning the first two sets. Coach Roger Gorayeb later said it was a calculated risk.

“I told them that we only need two sets to keep our No. 1 position in the semifinals,” Gorayeb said. “That’s why I’m so glad that the girls responded with a good performance in the first two sets. Everything went on as planned.”

When Cagayan threatened to force a fifth set after taking a 24-21 lead in the fourth, PLDT quickly stopped the rally with quick kills to end the match after one hour and 40 minutes.

TMS-Philippine Army (4-1) had earlier secured the second semifinal slot.

Despite the loss, the Lady Rising Suns (3-2) are expected to eventually join the semifinal cast along with idle Cignal (2-3).

In the second game, Petron fought back to shock RC Cola, 20-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-12, 15-5,  and nail its first win in five games. The Raiders fell to 0-5.