PLDT advances, Army gets free ride to semis

PVL PHOTO

PLDT dealt with a shorthanded enemy and Army got a free ride on Saturday as the two teams which had contrasting fortunes at the end of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference eliminations at San Juan Arena entered the semifinals.

The High Speed Hitters dominated the eight-strong Cignal crew, 25-19, 25-20, 21-25, 25-22, to make the playoffs, while Army took a 25-20, 25-22, 25-16 beating at the hands of Creamline but still advanced after Choco Mucho lost the first two sets against Petro Gazz at press time to lose its chance.

Choco Mucho needed to win over the Angels in four sets at most to boot the Lady Troopers out, as the quotient system was the only chance the Flying Titans had of qualifying granted that they do turn back Petro Gazz.

“Our goal every conference is to improve our standings. But the job is not done. We’re just getting started,” said High Speed Hitters head coach George Pascua in Filipino after making his first semis appearance after PLDT finished fifth last conference.

“Every game, we have to give our best so we will not regret anything,” he added.

Mika Reyes and Fiola Ceballos powered the High Speed Hitters, who didn’t have to contend with Rachel Anne Daquis and four other stars on the opposite end with the Cignal nucleus out because of health reasons.

Ces Molina came in street clothes and watched because of an injury.

Creamline, the reigning Open Conference champion, topped the eliminations with a 5-1 record, with Cignal second at 4-2 like PLDT.