PLDT sends Marinerang Pilipina to 12th straight defeat

PLDT Home Fibr pounced on winless Marinerang Pilipina in straight sets, 25-16, 25-23, 25-20, to regain its winning ways in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Coming off a frustrating three-set loss to defending champion Petron last week, Grethcel Soltones sparked the Power Hitters to send the Lady Skippers to their 12th straight loss after a 90-minute encounter.

Soltones nailed 10 kills for 11 points to lead PLDT while putting up tremendous floor defense with 19 digs and 13 excellent receptions.

Aiko Urdas was also instrumental with nine points laced with 16 digs while Sasa Devanadera also had nine points to go with Jasmine Nabor’s 14 excellent sets.

PLDT tightened its grip on the No. 6 spot with an improved 4-7 win-loss record, but head coach Roger Gorayeb already accepted that they would be facing the No. 3 team in the knockout quarterfinals.

“At least we got a win today. We’re just trying to get confidence from our remaining games,” said Gorayeb, whose wards will end their qualifying round against Cignal, Generika-Ayala and F2 Logistics.

“We only have a slim chance to rise from number six so we just have to maintain it and get ready for the next round.”

The Lady Skippers put up a gallant stand in the second set, building a 14-11 lead before the Power Hitters stormed back. A neck-and-neck duel figured down the stretch of the second frame before Jerrili Malabanan delivered the finishing touches for the two-set lead.