PLDT High Speed Hitters. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Shorthanded PLDT swept Akari, 25-15, 25-19, 25-22, to jumpstart its Pool A campaign on a high note in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The High Speed Hitters rested Mean Mendrez due to a minor knee injury and didn’t field Mika Reyes, who had a shoulder operation before the midseason tournament, but Dell Palomata and Jovy Prado stepped up.
Palomata, who played for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, showed the way with 14 points built on 10 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to fill in the void left by Reyes, who was in uniform but didn’t play.
“I’m very proud of Dell because her maturity has improved since January. Her exposure in the SEA Games helped her so we’re very happy for her. That’s what we expect from her and we want her to keep on improving,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.
“I’m happy that we were able to start our campaign with a win but we still have a lot to fix since our next games will be harder. We will make the most of our VNL break,” he added.
Prado delivered 13 points and nine digs. Mich Morente had 11 points with setter Rhea Dimaculangan pacing the team with 11 excellent sets on top of five markers. Libero Kath Arado protected the floor with 23 digs and 16 excellent receptions.
Royse Tubino, who was acquired by PLDT from Army, chipped in eight points while Jessey De Leon took the other middle blocker spot and also scored eight.
PLDT took second place in Pool A behind early leader Creamline, which won its first two games.
Ricafort said Mendrez and Reyes will be available on July 13 against Creamline.
Akari’s prized recruit Faith Nisperos was limited to just five points in her PVL debut as she and six other teammates as well as coach Jorge Souza de Brito came from a national stint in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup last week.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat was the lone double-digit scorer for the Chargers with 10 points on a 9-of-33 attacking clip.
Akari dropped to 0-1 tied with Gerflor and Chery Tiggo, which battles the Chargers also on July 11.