ANTIPOLO – PLDT weathered a fierce three-set challenge from Galeries Tower, ultimately prevailing with a hard-earned 27-25, 25-22, 25-23 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference to gain a share of the lead with Akari at the Ynares Center here on Tuesday night.
Facing the threat of an extended battle in the third set, the High Speed Hitters turned to Savi Davison and relied on their veteran savvy to outwit the Highrisers, who faltered under pressure and committed costly errors that PLDT converted into crucial points.
Davison put on a stellar performance with 28 points, including 26 attacks. Her final two-handed tip sealed a stunning 10-2 closing run, where PLDT rallied from a 15-21 deficit to clinch their second straight win and join the Akari atop the standings.
“I think one of the key lessons we learned from our first game is understanding the sense of urgency – how to close games,” said Davison, reflecting on the team’s hard-fought triumph.
She previously scored 19 points in PLDT’s opening win against Nxled, a match that required an extra set after the High Speed Hitters failed to close it in three.
Davison, acknowledging the strength of other teams, also issued a call to vigilance for her teammates: “I know the higher-ranked teams are going to surprise us, so we need to stay sharp.”
Coach Rald Ricafort was pleased with the victory but pointed out areas for improvement.
“Hindi dapat umabot sa ganun, un naghabol pa kami ng malaki kung na-control na namin sa start pa lang,” he said.
He also reminded the players to avoid complacency after taking early leads in sets, something that nearly cost them against Nxled.
“Hindi nila sinadadya, pero nasobrahan siguro ang pagiging relaxed,” said Ricafort. “We’re happy with the win, pero kung maiiwasan sana, mas magawan namin ng paraan.”
The defeat was another bitter pill for the Highrisers, who have now dropped three straight matches. Despite competitive performances against the Akari Chargers (four sets) and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (five sets), Galeries Tower has yet to capitalize on their opportunities for victories.
PLDT dominated the spiking department, 51-43, but the High Speed Hitters appeared vulnerable at times as the Highrisers mounted a spirited stand.
Galeries Tower’s aggressive attacks and resilient defense earned them a seemingly comfortable 21-15 lead in the third set, raising hopes for an extension and potential reversal.
However, the Highrisers couldn’t maintain their composure. As the High Speed Hitters tightened their net defense, Galeries Tower began to crack, showing hesitation in offense and lapses in communication.
PLDT’s decisive 7-0 run, which overturned a 15-21 deficit into a 22-21 lead, was punctuated by two errors from the Highrisers caused by miscommunication.
Although France Ronquillo momentarily broke Galeries’ scoring drought with a down-the-line hit, PLDT’s momentum was unstoppable. Davison delivered clutch plays in the stretch, while the team’s middle blockers effectively controlled the net.
Erika Santos provided ample support for Davison, contributing 14 points, while middles Majoy Baron and Dell Palomata combined for 11 markers.
Meanwhile, Fiola Ceballos, Angge Alcantara, and Jovie Prado added three points each to seal the one-hour, 35-minute victory.
Ronquillo led the way for the Highrisers with 19 points, while Jho Maraguinot chipped in 10 markers, and Roselle Baliton added eight points. However, the rest of the team struggled, with Ysa Jimenez managing only five markers and both Andrea Marzan and Julia Coronel contributing three points apiece.
