Elena Samoilenko and the PLDT High Speed Hitters hurdle their first assignment in the PVL Reinforced Conference against Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — In the battle of depleted teams, PLDT prevailed as Russian spiker Elena Samoilenko stood the tallest with 34 points to stun Creamline, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena.
Samoilenko, a returning import, poured in 32 kills and two aces to go with a steady floor defense of 14 excellent receptions and 13 digs to lift the High Speed Hitters to a winning Pool A debut despite missing top scorer Savi Davison, who is out in the midseason tournament due to a knee injury.
The 6-foot-4 hitter scored four consecutive points to put PLDT at match point, 14-11, before Erica Staunton saved a point for Creamline. Fiola Ceballos delivered the off-the-block kill to end the two-hour and 40-minute match.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
“Every game I want to win and I want to be better and [help] my team,” said Samoilenko. “This season, I think it’s a much better staff, better team.”
Ceballos and Majoy Baron also stepped up with 11 points each with setter Kim Fajardo delivering 19 excellent sets on top of three points. Libero Kath Arado had 24 digs.
Creamline lost an opening game for the first time in five years since the 2019 Reinforced Conference, where it fell to eventual champion Petro Gazz handled then by PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and his assistant Arnold Laniog.
“It was a hard-fought win, for sure. That’s what we really prepared for, to be mentally ready for this kind of match. We knew it would be tough because even though Creamline was missing some players, their core team was still there. Definitely, it was a good win for us.”said Ricafort.
“Regardless of the timeline, if you can get a win against Creamline, it’s always a big deal because you know they are always at the top.”
Creamline Cool Smashers played the PVL Reinforced Conference without their key players Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Ricafort was grateful for Samoilenko’s arrival which played a huge role in the team’s adjustment from playing without Davison, Rhea Dimaculangan, and Alas Pilipinas player Dell Palomata.
READ: PVL: Creamline, PLDT missing key players to start Reinforced tilt
“Lena came in early, just in time for our one-month preparation, so that was a big help for us. Plus, our core players are still here. It’s good that Fiola stepped up towards the end. We were prepared for our core to be like this because we also expected Savi to join late,” he said.
“The players off the bench need to be ready whenever they’re called. It’s great that Kiesha Bedonia performed well.”
PLDT eyes its second win in Pool A against Galeries Tower on Saturday.
The Cool Smashers missed the services of Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as well as Alas Pilipinas player Jema Galanza, who will fly to Japan on Wednesday.
Erica Staunton’s 20-point debut, which included two blocks and two aces, was spoiled as Creamline lost its first Pool A game. Bernadeth Pons stepped up with 18 points, while Michele Gumabao added 16 points.
The Cool Smashers, who gave up 32 errors, seek to bounce back against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Saturday.