PVL: PLDT dominates Army to notch first win

PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT made quick work of Army-Black Mamba, 25-19, 25-12, 25-21, to earn its first win in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Mean Mendrez led the High Speed Hitters’ balanced attack with 11 points built on nine spikes and two blocks, while libero Kath Arado was everywhere, protecting their floor with 33 digs and 14 excellent receptions.

Veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan made 18 excellent sets on top of two service aces, including the game-winning point, as Jovielyn Prado had nine points, 12 digs, and 12 receptions. Dell Palomato and Mich Morente added nine and eight markers, respectively.

PLDT improved its record to 1-1, bouncing back from a five-set loss to F2 Logistics last week. But coach Rald Ricafort still wants more from his wards.

“We still lack a lot of things. Our goal is to improve every game. We’re happy to get this win but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Ricafort in Filipino. 

“But we were able to make some counterattacks in this game. We prepared for this game. And I can see that my players like Mean Mendrez and Jovy Prado and our other players, who were out of our system against F2, are slowly becoming brave.”

Army gave up 24 errors in the match as its losing streak got extended to 15 games dating back to the elimination round of Invitationals last year.

No Lady Trooper scored in double figures with Royse Tubino leading the way with eight points. Nene Bautista had seven markers, as setter Ivy Perez only made eight excellent sets.

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