PLDT became the first Philippine club to bow out of contention in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League following a 13-25, 22-25, 20-25 quarterfinal loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

The High Speed Hitters struggled against the tall Kazakhs, who leaned on a dominant first set performance and displayed composure in the next two to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Creamline is battling Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, which went through the wringer before beating PLDT in their final pool play match, for a place in the semifinals as of press time.

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China’s Baic Motor at 7 p.m. tonight at the same Pasig venue, hoping to secure a berth in the last four.

Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with 13 points and nine digs while Cuban Wilma Salas had 11 points, including two blocks and six digs.

Libero Kath Arado beamed with pride as PLDT, despite its exit, defied expectations on the continental stage.

“Sa akin naman, sobrang proud. Proud talaga ako sa pinakita ng team. ‘Yung tutok kasi talaga ng bawat isa, kahit ‘yung mga coaches na talagang i-instruct talaga kami point-by-point,” Arado said.

The High Speed Hitters were eliminated in the All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.

But PLDT found an opening for redemption when the AVC granted the Philippines an additional slot in the tournament. This, coupled with the withdrawal of Japan’s NEC Red Rockets, paved the way for the High Speed Hitters’ entry into the inaugural club competition.

Nikitina, who scored 15 of her 19 points in the first two sets for Zhetysu, while Karyna Denysova was also solid with 15 points, including two blocks, and collected six digs.

With a Final berth and a potential ticket to the FIVB World Women’s Club Championship in Thailand on the line, Zhetsyu VC looks poised to continue its clinical run.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado