PLDT strikes right chemistry, finally wins one

Mika Reyes (center) celebrates with the rest of the High Speed Hitters after sewing up a much-needed first win. —PVL PHOTO

For someone used to winning, Mika Reyes knows that there are birth pains in joining a new team, and the former national team stalwart said all the struggles PLDT experienced in trying to strike a chemistry will play a big part in achieving the franchise’s goals in the future.

“Maybe it’s for the best because we needed that adjustment. The truth is, we have a lot more to improve on,” said Reyes in Filipino after leading PLDT to a 25-20, 26-24, 25-22 triumph over BaliPure on Wednesday in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila.

For the meantime, the important thing for her is that PLDT finally has a win to show when it marches into the next round.

“Personally, I had doubts after two losses. But we proved that we can win and have to play even harder in the quarterfinals. It’s not too late for us yet,” said Reyes, who accounted for 11 points that included three blocks.

The win lined up PLDT against either F2 Logistics or Choco Mucho, the leaders in Pool A which will have a twice-to-beat advantage over the High Speed Hitters.

“We had a short preparation, but it’s not an excuse for us not to perform,” said PLDT coach George Pascua. “We will just play according to what we do in practice. Actually at this point, it’s not the skills that count, but the character of the team.”

Obviously, the High Speed Hitters are still finding their character, having been formed just one and half months ago. Their lack of chemistry showed when they lost to teams like Creamline and PetroGazz, which pretty much retained their respective rosters.

“Right now we don’t have an established first six, so everyday we try on different combinations hoping to see what clicks,” bared Pascua, who is also new to the team.

But Pascua said the win boosted their morale and put them on better footing going into the quarterfinals.

BaliPure stumbled to a 0-3.

In the second game, Tots Carlos exploded with 28 points as Creamline rode out a tough stand by PetroGazz, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, to claim No. 1 spot in Pool B.