United VC ends first round with win over PLDT

MANILA, Philippines—United Volleyball Club ended the first round on a high note by turning back PLDT Home Fibr in four sets, 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 25-17, in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

United capped off its first round campaign with a 4-3 record, good enough for fourth spot while the Power Hitters, with a 3-3 win-loss mark,  still have one more game to play.

Yasmeen Bedart-Ghani led United’s three-pronged attack, finishing with 20 points while Tai Manu-Olevao and Kalei Mau had 19 and 16 points, respectively.

United head coach Joshua Ylaya said the win was of utmost importance for them since they managed to get into a favorable seeding heading into the second round.

“We don’t want to be in the second round and be pressured to win a number of games to get to the top four,” said Ylaya.

“We don’t want to find ourselves after the second round and we’re at no. 5 with just a game, a point, or even a set, from the no. 4.”

“What I love about these girls is there’s not a lot of technical adjustments we have to do in the part of the coaching staff.”

Grace Lazaro and Kendra Dahlke had 17 points apiece to lead PLDT Home Fibr. / gsg