Savannah Davison and the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–PLDT dominated its way to a 2-0 start in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after keeping Nxled winless on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Filipino-Canadian Savannah Davison was still the go-to person for the High Speed Hitters, leading with 13 points, all on attacks, while Jessey de Leon helped with 11 points including two aces.
But it was libero Kath Arado, the High Speed Hitters’ team captain, who made the biggest impact with her lock down floor defense, a whopping 29 excellent digs.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024
“I am happy that we kind of continued our momentum from the last game,” coach Rald Ricafort said as PLDT swept Nxled, 25-17, 25-23, 25-22. “But we still have a lot to fix before facing another heavyweight.”
Majoy Baron had a much better performance for her new squad, contributing 10 points after a quiet showing in PLDT’s opening win against Galeries.
PLDT peppered Nxled with its four aces in the first set combined with its 14 attacks and the Chameleons’ six errors helping lift the High Speed Hitters early.
“We are not limiting ourselves to just those solid performances,” Ricafort said when asked if he is happy so far with how his team has been playing.
“It’s just two games where we also still had immature lapses which is our basis that we are still lacking,” he added.
READ: PVL: Savannah Davison powers PLDT demolition of Galeries
Nxled provided more fightback in the 32-minute long second set, showing off its floor and net defense more to forbid PLDT from pulling away.
But the High Speed Hitters, who have yet to lose a set this conference, also amped up their blocking to maintain control of the frame as the Chameleons continued committing crucial errors.
The Chameleons rushed to an early 8-4 lead in the final frame before PLDT narrowed the margin with De Leon’s aces tying the score at 8-all and helped them take the lead.
The High Speed Hitters then never relinquished the lead to Nxled, which dropped to a 0-2 standing despite Ivy Lacsina’s 12 points.
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and Savi Davison on their second win. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GB3LmOIAFZ
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Middle blocker Dell Palomata has still not suited up for PLDT as she awaits clearance to play from the Army, Ricafort revealed, while Kim Kianna Dy continues to nurse her knee injury. The PLDT mentor hopes to suit up the hitter around the tail end of their preliminary assignments.
Davison also did her part on defense with 10 excellent digs while another new High Speed Hitter Kim Fajardo distributed the ball well with 19 excellent sets.
“But so far, we also don’t want to be [ungrateful with the wins]. We are still okay especially knowing that we have new additions,” he added.
“We are happy that the new players are reliable and experience-wise, they really brought and increased the fighting spirit of the team,” Arado said. “They are really matured in their game so they are also guiding us.”
PLDT will try to work for the same result when it faces Petro Gazz on Saturday while Nxled will have a few days rest before battling Cignal on March 7 both at PhilSports Arena.