PVL: Streaking PLDT claims No. 4 with win over ZUS Coffee

PLDT’s Savi Davison reacts during a game against ZUS Coffee in the PVL All-Filipino Conference in Passi, Iloilo.–PVL PHOTO

PASSI CITY, ILOILO—PLDT secured its place as the No. 4 team in the PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round after sweeping ZUS Coffee, 25-20, 25-16, 25-15, on Saturday at the City of Passi Arena.

“Happy na nakuha nang three sets. Happy rin sa mga players na nag-step up today mga usual,” coach Rald Ricafort said. “Ang mindset today i-perform yung para sa pairing din kasi sila rin yung makakalaro so happy na na-control yung game.”

Savi Davison led the way with 17 points from 14 attacks and three blocks to help the High Speed Hitters move on to the next round on a four-game winning streak after finishing the preliminary round with an 8-3 record, similar with No. 3 Cignal.

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“Just happy to finish the preliminary strong and to get out with the win, right? It gives us the momentum going to the playoffs,” Davison said.

Majoy Baron contributed 10 points, including a pair of aces, Angelica Alcantara orchestrated PLDT’s offense with 10 excellent sets while Kath Arado guarded the floor with 16 excellent digs.

“Expected din naman talaga na ready yung mga tao kasi tinraining naman namin, yung preparation naman namin sa ZUS talagang tutok yung bawat isa and masaya kasi nagawa namin yung mga trabaho namin as players,” Arado said.

After convincingly taking the first two frames, the High Speed Hitters did not slow down and rushed to a 15-8 advantage courtesy of an ace from Baron.

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The Thunderbelles narrowed the deficit to 18-13 but PLDT didn’t to ease off one bit and moved closer to taking the game with a small run of its own from Erika Santos’ kill off the block, a Kim Fajardo ace and a tip from Kim Dy, 23-14.

Chinnie Arroyo sent a serve to the net that pushed PLDT a point away from the win before Baron securing PLDT the victory off a quick attack.

Chai Troncoso, an Iloilo native, top scored the Thunderbelles with nine points as ZUS Coffee ended the preliminary round with a 4-7 record to end up at No. 9 in the qualifying round.

The High Speed Hitters will meet the Thunderbelles again in the knockout phase.

“Mas tutok kami sa service-receive kasi going to next games namin kailangan talaga namin ng magandang pasa kasi nandiyan naman si Sav eh so samin mas mapapadali yung buhay namin kung may receive kami tsaka serve,” Arado said.