PLDT outlasts Meralco for 3rd place

Dragged into another five setter, PLDT HOME Telpad held off an error-prone Meralco anew, 25-20, 26-28, 25-20, 19-25, 15-8, last night to claim the bronze medal in the women’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Turbo Boosters capitalized on the Power Spikers’ erratic play in the deciding set, rallying from 2-4 down to sweep their best-of-three series.

Suzanne Roces dished out a sterling all-around game with 23 hits and 14 digs, while Gretchel Soltones tallied 17 points for the Turbo Boosters.

“The desire to win was there and we had the edge psychologically,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb.

In men’s play, Rizal Technological University showed character and resolve in dumping Far Eastern University, 36-34, 25-19, 25-22, to level their best-of-three series for third place at one-game apiece.

The Blue Thunder can clinch the bronze medal if Systema sweeps its men’s championship series against Instituto Estetico Manila on Sunday. RTU holds the advantage in the tiebreaker in case the third-place series ended up at 1-1.

FEU won the series opener, 30-28, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23.

Jaidal Abdul Majid made up for a so-so outing in Game 1 with 15 points, including two blocks and two service aces, and four digs, while Carlo Sebastian added 13 hits.

Libero Lizlee Ann Pantone had 24 digs for the Turbo Boosters, who duplicated their finish in the Open Conference last August.

Stephanie Mercado paced the Power Spikers with 21 points.