Angelica Legacion leads PLDT against F2 Logistics in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — PLDT lived another day despite the absence of injured players Rhea Dimaculangan and Erika Santos to sweep the also-ran F2 Logistics, 25-21, 27-25, 25-23, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday evening at Philsports Arena.
With veteran playmaker Dimaculangan sitting out due to a jammed finger, setter Anj Legacion stepped up when it mattered most with 18 excellent sets on top of four points to keep the High Speed Hitters in contention in the semifinals race with a 6-4 record tied with Petro Gazz, which they face on Tuesday next week.
“I needed to contribute and step up for my team. This is also for Ate Rhea,” said Legacion in Filipino. “We’re happy with this win because we were able to jell despite the short preparation.”
Savannah Davison led the charge with 22 points off 18 attacks, three blocs, and an ace to go with 10 excellent receptions and six digs. Dell Palomata contributed 11 points including four blocks, while Jules Samonte added nine points.
PLDT, which ended a three-game skid, needs to beat Petro Gazz and hope for a Cignal (6-3) loss to Gerflor next week.
“We’re happy because we bounced back from the loss to Choco Mucho despite losing our key members. Others stepped up like Anj and Jules,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort. “We need a miracle but if we’ll have a chance to enter, we’ll prepare for it.”
Regardless of whether they make it to the semis or not, the High-Speed Hitters vowed to finish the season strong.
WATCH: F2 Logistics' Jolina Dela Cruz is stretchered off the court after sustaining a freak right leg injury midway through the second set. #PVL2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/fkm4N0l9EN
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 30, 2023
F2 Logistics ended the season on a sour note with a five-game losing streak, finishing with a 4-7 record and losing Jolina Dela Cruz, who suffered a gruesome right leg injury midway through the second set.
Dela Cruz was going for a dig but tweaked her leg being stretchered off the court and wasn’t able to come back in the match.
Myla Pablo led the Cargo Movers with 14 points. Ara Galang chipped in 12 points including three blocks, while Ivy Lacsina added 11 points.