PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–PLDT secured a playoff berth and eliminated ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 25-14, 25-12, in the PVL Reinforced Conference Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena.
Elena Samoilenko did her job on offense with 14 points on 12 attacks and a pair of aces with Majoy Baron on her side chipping in 13 points on nine attacks and four of the High Speed Hitters’ nine total blocks.
“Happy with the win and happy that the bench players got to play and perform,” coach Rald Ricafort said in Filipino.
“In this game, we just enjoyed, played well and were consistent,” Baron said.
READ: PVL: PLDT regains winning form in time for second round
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, Majoy Baron, and Kim Fajardo after qualifying to the #PVL2024 Playoffs. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/N9bIafWr2X
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 13, 2024
Kim Fajardo also made it happen with 15 excellent sets as PLDT improved to a 5-1 record after two consecutive wins coming off a tight loss to Chery Tiggo.
Another middle blocker in Mika Reyes added nine points and Kiesha Bedonia had seven as Ricafort took the liberty to lessen the load on his starters with the playoffs coming up.
With a history of falling short toward the end despite terrific starts, PLDT could not afford to let go of any chance to improve its standing as it still needs to battle Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, two dangerous squads despite their losing records.
“We still need to work on consistency and endgame because our next games are still formidable. Our play still has to be sharper,’ Baron said.
“Falling short in the last conference is extra motivation as well as a lesson learned so this conference, we have to make sure to be stronger as a team,” she added.
READ: PVL: PLDT bounces back with sweep of Farm Fresh to end first round
The Thunderbelles posed virtually no threat to the more established High Speed Hitters who zoomed to a 19-9 lead in the third set.
ZUS Coffee made a last-ditch effort courtesy of Japanese import Asaka Tamaru, who was the team’s lone double-digit scorer with 13 points. She also recorded 14 excellent digs.
Dolly Versoza and Ypril Tapia were the next-highest scorers with just five points apiece. Versoza made some impact on defense with 14 excellent digs but it wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding for ZUS Coffee, which slipped to 0-6.