PVL: PLDT stays in title hunt with win over Vietnam side
Cignal’s Royse Tubino challenges a player from Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh during their game in the PVL Invitational Conference. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—PLDT continued to lean on wing spikers Royse Tubino, Fiola Ceballos, and Mich Morente to sweep Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, and earn its second straight victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Monday at Philsports Arena.
Tubino showed the way anew with 12 points, while Ceballos scattered eight attacks and three aces to finish with 11 points on top of eight excellent receptions. Morente also chipped in 11 markers and nine digs as the High Speed Hitters improved to a 2-2 record forthird place, staying in contention for the championship game on Sunday.
Libero Kath Arado also stepped up, protecting PLDT’s floor with 21 digs and 16 excellent receptions, as setter Rhea Dimaculangan had 23 excellent sets on top of five points.
“I wasn’t worried about my teammates because they can find a way to give the ball to ate Rhea so she can set our play properly. Even the Vietnamese served hard, my teammates were able to receive the bell, especially Fiola,” said Arado in Filipino.
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort had the luxury of rotating his players, praising everyone who played and delivered for their team against the Vietnamese club.
“I’m happy with our game. We were able to execute our plan and our players from the bench also stepped up,” said Ricafort in Filipino.
The High Speed Hitters reached match point after Rachel Austero’s block, 24-19. but Kinh Bac scored four straight points capped by Le Xuan’s ace and Jules Samonte’s attack error to trim the deficit within one, 24-23. Austero ended the one-hour and 35-minute game with a quick attack.
PLDT needs to beat Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze (2-0) on Thursday to stay in contention, although it no longer holds its championship fate.
Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh remained winless in two games with Nguyen Huong leading the way with 14 points and Le adding 12 markers on top of 11 digs and 10 receptions.
The Vietnamese seek to bounce back against defending champion Creamline (3-0) on Tuesday at 4 p.m., playing their third game in four days.
