PLDT PLDT players celebrate after two hours and 19 minutes match.

PLDT downs Cignal in tight battle

November 15, 2022 Theodore P. Jurado 418 views
Reyes
Mika Reyes of PLDT High Speed Hitters. PVL photos

ELENA Samoilenko came through with 27 points and 11 digs as PLDT turned back Cignal, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, to keep its semifinals hopes alive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After a long rally that lasted for almost a minute, Samoilenko hammered a backrow kill for the High Speed Hitters to reach match point.

PLDT then closed out the two-hour, 19-minute match by winning a challenge, when Rachel Anne Daquis, trying to convert a kill from the backline, committed a foot fault violation.

Coach George Pascua was satisfied the way his players responded after the HD Spikers gained a lifeline by winning the third set, as the High Speed Hitters were trying to avoid being dragged to a five-setter.

“Our goal is to win that match as much as possible. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, don’t stop, (the game is) not yet finished,” said Pascua. “Kasi kung magsa-stop ka two set pa lang, possible na bumaliktad ang sitwasyon. Lagi kong nire-remind sa kanila, keep fighting.”

Fighting for its Final Four lives, PLDT rose to 3-4 as it stayed within reach of F2 Logistics, Choco Mucho and Cignal in the race for the two remaining spots.

The HD Spikers fell in a tie with the Flying Titans at 3-3.

Samoilenko, who had team-best four blocks and seven receptions, drew a much-needed support from the High Speed Hitters middles Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes, who had 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Pascua is happy that Palomata played her best game of the conference.

“Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya na ‘Dell, bumalik ka lang. Just play your game.’ Nakabalik na siya unti-unti,” said Pascua.

PLDT seized a 2-0 set lead after Reyes and Samoilenko nailed consecutive kills to shatter a 23-23 deadlock, before Cignal was able to stay in the match with Ria Meneses and Roselyn Doria leading the charge in the third.

Tai Bierria scored 16 points and 13 receptions while Ces Molina, who started in the second set, hammered 15 kills for the HD Spikers.

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