PVL: PLDT escapes Petro Gazz in thriller for three straight wins

PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT leaned on the pair of Mich Morente and Mean Mendrez to outlast Petro Gazz, 21-25, 31-29, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13, to extend its winning run to three games for the share of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino lead on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

After the High Speed Hitters failed to close out the game in the fourth set, the two teams battled in an intense decider until Morente nailed the game-winning cross-court kill to lift PLDT for the share of the league lead with Creamline, F2 Logistics, and Chery Tiggo tied at 3-1.

PLDT trailed by one in the fifth, 9-10, but managed to score three straight points, ignited by Mika Reyes’ running attack and Jovielyn Prado’s spike off the block, to take a 12-10 lead.

Mendrez’s serve, however, went out. Jonah Sabete tied the game but her next attack was too wide, followed by Remy Palma’s drop off a broken play to equalize the set for the seventh time.

Dell Palomata saw an opening, hitting a floating ball to reach match point, 14-13, before Morente put the finishing touch.

Morente and Mendrez led the High Speed Hitters with 21 points each with the former having 15 digs, while libero Kath Arado was everywhere with 40 digs and 20 excellent receptions.

Morente, who was able to sustain her fine play from their straight-set win over Chery Tiggo last Tuesday, admitted Petro Gazz’s net defense was frustrating as it nailed 14 kill blocks against their five. 

But she leaned on the trust of her teammates, especially when she was set for the game-winning attack.

“To be honest the first part of the game was frustrating because of their blocks. I just keep my mindset that I can do it,” said Morente in Filipino. “I won’t be able to do it without the help of my teammates especially the last set [play] from Kath. It means a lot to me because she trusted that I can score.”

Prado chimed in with 15 points and 13 receptions, while Palomata added 12 markers to halt Petro Gazz’s two-game winning streak.

“It’s not about the streak. What we want is we improve every game. Like what I told them earlier, if we can’t win it right away, we have to persevere and show our character because we’re playing in the fifth set again,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said in Filipino.

MJ Phillips’ game-high 24 points, highlighted by six blocks, was spoiled as her first full game from a shoulder injury ended up with a losing result.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also delivered for the Angels with 19 points and 16 digs, while Soltones had 17 points and 16 digs as they slid to a 2-2 record tied Choco Mucho.