PVL: PLDT shuts down Farm Fresh to tie Creamline at top spot

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Savannah Davidson in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

ANTIPOLO CITY—PLDT displayed a clinical performance to join defending champion Creamline on top of the preliminary round ladder of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The High Speed Hitters dismantled Farm Fresh with a 25-9, 25-13, 25-21 victory to tie the Cool Smashers’ record at 5-1 on Saturday at Ynares Center here.

Savannah Davison powered PLDT to its third consecutive victory–counting its triumph over Capital1 and big five-set win over Choco Mucho–since it lost to Petro Gazz in straight sets.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

“Happy kami na medyo na-continue namin ‘yung momentum from the last game kasi complacency ‘yung kalaban eh,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said. “Happy naman kami na nag-deliver kahit close ‘yung third set.”

“Walang dapat isipin na outcome muna, talaga output muna ‘yung isipin namin dapat palagi,” Ricafort added.

Davison scattered 21 points from 17 attacks, three blocks and an ace while new middle blocker Majoy Baron produced her best performance as a High Speed Hitter with 11 points on seven attacks, two blocks and 2 aces.

PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

“Happy kasi nakuha na namin ‘yung momentum and mas nakikilala na namin ‘yung isa’t isa sa loob ng court and mas nakakasunod kami sa sistema,” Baron said.

PLDT outplayed the Foxies in virtually all aspects as the High Speed Hitters imposed their will offensively with a 45-20 edge on attacks. They also had four more blocks than Farm Fresh and 10 more excellent digs.

READ: Calm demeanor helps PLDT avert familiar collapse vs Choco Mucho

Despite applying adjustments in between sets to try to keep in step with PLDT, which worked like a well-oiled machine, Farm Fresh’s efforts were not enough to pose a challenge to the High Speed Hitters.

“Nag-aaral kami ng maayos and sumusunod lang kami sa gustong mangyari nila coach at sa sistema ng team. I think ‘yun ‘yung naging key e, maglalaro nalang talaga kami, susunod nalang kami,” Baron said.

“Nagbubunga naman ‘yung pakikinig at pagsusunod namin kay coach,” she added.

Farm Fresh only had former Choco Mucho cog Caitlin Viray in double digits with 11 points despite starting only in the opening and third sets.

The net defense of the High Speed Hitters limited the prime scorers of Farm Fresh to single digits. Trisha Tubu, who played limited minutes, only had two points, Kate Santiago five, Chinnie Arroyo and Rizza Cruz six points each.

Late in the tight final frame, Tubu committed an attack error that gave PLDT a four point cushion before Cruz and Arroyo’s offense took turns narrowing the gap for the Foxies, 20-19.

Davison delivered three consecutive cross-court kills to shut the doors on Farm Fresh.

“I’ve been preaching it all conference, I just want to be the go-to. I just want to be the person that people can rely on so I’m happy that I’m becoming more confident in that role and hopefully I can continue that throughout the season,” Davison said.

PLDT will have some time off to prepare for Akari, who is battling Choco Mucho at press time, which it meets on April 2 at PhilSports Arena.