PVL: PLDT bounces back with tough win over PetroGazz

PLDT High Speed Hitters celebrate five-set win over PetroGazz in the PVL Invitationals. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–PLDT Home Fibr eked out a tough 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14 victory over PetroGazz to boost its semifinals bid on Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The High Speed Hitters blew a huge six-point lead in the fifth set but pounced on the Angels’ mishits in the nerve-wracking finish, including a MJ Phillips service error that shattered the 14-all count and a costly blunder that enabled the former to escape with the win.

Serving for the match, Heather Guino-o clinched the game-winner for PLDT when the Angels misjudged the flight of the ball, which sailed long but dropped just right on the baseline.

Julianne Samonte led the High Speed Hitters with 18 points while Mika Reyes dominated with eight blocks en route to 13 points. Toni Basas also had 13 points, all but one from kills.

It was a big bounce-back win for PLDT, which tripped the depleted Chery Tiggo but got ripped by powerhouse Creamline, hiking its record to 2-1 for a share of third with Army Black Mamba.

Petro Gazz, which finished second to Creamline in the Open Conference, absorbed its third straight defeat to languish bottom of the standings.

Gretchel Soltones and MJ Philipps wound up with 18 and 17 points respectively for the Angels in the loss.