PLDT High Speed Hitters. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Royse Tubino lifted PLDT to its first semifinal win after pouncing on the Kianna Dy-less F2 Logistics, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Tubino powered the High Speed Hitters with 20 points off 18 attacks, one block, and an ace to tie the Cargo Movers at 1-2 in third place in the semis round as of press time.
The veteran outside spiker from Army was eager to bounce back from her lackluster seven-point performance from their straight-set loss to sister team Cignal on Thursday.
“We have to bounce back because this is the semis. We need to persevere and have a mindset that we have to work hard on everything in the semis,” said Tubino in Filipino. “For me, I’m so happy we got our first win in the semis. We need to keep on striving and be more patient.”
PLDT rested Mean Mendrez rested as she continues to nurse a minor knee injury but Fiola Ceballos stepped up with nine points, Dell Palomata also stepped up with eight points including two blocks and tallied their biggest lead in the third with a quick attack, 19-10, en route to their breakthrough win in the semis.
Veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan paced the High Speed Hitters with 14 excellent sets, while libero Kath Arado had 14 digs and eight excellent receptions.
“We’re very happy because my players were able to bounce back from a bad game against Cignal. But I understand because the schedule is really hard, even for F2 coming from a five-set game that ended at 10 p.m. last time,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino. “We just took advantage of the situation.”
PLDT battles Vietnam’s King Bac-Bac Ninh on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
F2 Logistics suffered its second straight loss in the semis, following a five-set loss to Creamline two days ago when Dy hurt her right knee.
Myla Pablo was the lone double-digit scorer for the Cargo Movers with 10 points, while Aby Maraño and Majoy Baron had nine points each as their team gave up 23 errors.
F2 Logistics will have three days before seeking its bounce back against Japan’s Division 3 team Kurashiki Ablaze.