PVL: PLDT ousts Choco Mucho, seals playoffs duel vs Chery Tiggo

PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL Reinforced Conference game against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–PLDT got over a first-set hump to send Choco Mucho packing after a 21-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19 victory on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre and forge quarterfinal matchup against Chery Tiggo in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

Elena Samoilenko connected 30 points, 27 from attacks apart from 13 excellent digs to help the High Speed Hitters secure the No. 4 spot after finishing the preliminary round with a 6-2 card.

“I just say every game, I want to win. Today we didn’t have a good start, but after, we played how we could. We hope in the next game against Chery, we can win,” Samoilenko said.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round

Kiesha Bedonia turned heads with 16 points off 13 attacks and Erika Santos added 13 points. Majoy Baron had nine points spread across on three attacks, blocks and aces.

Kim Fajardo tossed 17 excellent sets as Kath Arado stopped the Flying Titans’ attacks with 21 excellent digs.

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Elena Samoilenko rising for a hit against Choco Mucho defenders in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

“Coming into this game, it was really do-or-die for Choco Mucho. The mistake on our side was that we started stiff and slow,” coach Rald Ricafort said. “Our usual game only showed up in the second set, so the lesson for us is that we need to be fast and aggressive right from the start.”

The High Speed Hitters’ most recent win set up a rematch against the Crossovers, who defeated them last Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

With its sixth loss, Choco Mucho ended its campaign with only two wins as manpower woes continued to be a concern. Import Zoi Faki was also sidelined for feeling under the weather.

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Assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad called the shots for the Titans with coach Dante Alinsunurin joining the men’s Alas Pilipinas in the second leg of the SEA V.League in Indonesia.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat was the only Titan to reach twin digits with 22 points, mostly from attacks. Maddie Madayag was the next best scorer with nine attack points.

Mars Alba tossed 10 excellent sets while Thang Ponce manned the defense with 21 excellent digs as well.

Choco Mucho’s exit sealed the clash between top seed Akari and No. 8 Farm Fresh.

There was no trace of the Titans that won the first set as PLDT stormed to an 18-11 lead in the fourth frame thanks to Mika Reyes’ ace.

Fajardo launched another tough serve for a 20-12 advantage before Bedonia and Erika Santos took turns finding holes with cross-court kills.

Royse Tubino committed a double contact to bring PLDT to match point before Kat Tolentino and Santiago-Manabat scored four consecutive points, 24-19.

Bedonia capitalized on an over-receive by Choco Mucho to punctuate the match.