PVL: Erika Santos shines as PLDT turns back Galeries Tower
Erika Santos leads PLDT High Speed Hitters in their latest PVL win. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Erika Santos continued to thrive as a starter dropping 17 points for PLDT’s fifth straight win, 29-27, 25-14, 25-18, that kept the Galeries Tower winless in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
Santos played efficiently hitting 15-of-31 on top of two blocks and had 13 digs while Honey Royse Tubino delivered 14 points as the High Speed Hitters claim the solo second spot with a 5-1 record.
“There’s nothing new, I just stuck to our system and listened to coach. I’m competing against myself,” said Santos in Filipino.
The former La Salle Lady Spiker has come out of her shell as she emerged as the Top 19 scorer of the league before this game with a total of 47 points built on 42 attacks, two blocks, and three aces.
“I’m thankful because this is my first time to play as a starter and it’s a pro team. It’s a great opportunity for me. But I won’t stop. I unlearn some of the things that I already know so I can continue to step up,” she said.
Erika Santos and PLDT coach Rald Ricafort after earning their fifth straight win. #PVL2023
Posted by Inquirer Sports on Thursday, November 9, 2023
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said that they already had plans to give Santos a bigger role when they took over last January.
“When we joined PLDT, I told her that she would be given an opportunity, the role that she has right now. We’re thankful that she’s playing well this conference. Hopefully, she can sustain it,” said Ricafort in Filipino.
Dell Palomata sat out as PLDT has been managing the loads of its players. But Rachel Austero stepped up with seven points. Mika Reyes nailed three blocks to finish with six points, while Savannah Davison also scored six in limited minutes.
Palomata will return when PLDT takes on Chery Tiggo on Saturday at the same venue.
“Our recent games prepared us to work on our lapses and discover our strengths,” said Santos.
Galeries remained winless in six games tied with Gerflor. Andrea Marzan was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points, while Roma Joy Doromal had nine points.
