Lena Samoilenko unfazed by Khat Bell matchup

PLDT’s opponent in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals will be Chery Tiggo, one of the two teams that defeated them during the preliminaries.

As the playoffs adopt a knockout format from the quarterfinals all the way to the championship game, PLDT is gearing up for an intense showdown.

For Russian reinforcement Lena Samoilenko, who is on her second stint with PLDT, the focus is not on individual matchups, even against a powerhouse like Khat Bell, one of the most explosive imports this conference. 

“For me, it doesn’t matter – Khat Bell or other imports. Of course, Khat Bell is a good player, but we need to show my game... Not just my game, but the team game. We show we don’t have problems,” said Samoilenko. The 6-foot-4 open spiker believes that the key to victory lies in how well the team executes their own game plan rather than getting caught up in who their opponents are.

In their first-round clash, PLDT fell to Chery Tiggo in a hard-fought five-set battle, 19-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 10-15. Chery’s import Khat Bell was a major force, scoring 39 points, while Ara Galang added 23. Despite the loss, Samoilenko remains undaunted, emphasizing that the team’s preparation and mindset are more crucial than any past result.

High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort also downplayed the importance of previous statistics and results in the playoffs, noting that every game is a fresh start.

“Siguro may limit na rin ‘yung scouting and preparation eh. Siguro talagang pagandahan na lang talaga ng gising ‘yung (quarterfinals),” said Ricafort after PLDT secured the fourth seed with a four-set win over Choco Mucho.

Reflecting on their last encounter with Chery Tiggo, Ricafort recalled, “Nung last game namin, breaks of the game, talagang umall-out si Khat Bell. So hopefully sa game namin sa Tuesday mabawasan namin kahit papaano and magpe-perform din ‘yung team nang maayos.”

That five-set loss will serve as a critical study for Ricafort’s coaching staff, providing them with the insights needed to make necessary adjustments.

“Siguro this Tuesday at least na try na namin so aaralin namin ‘yung ngayon saka ‘yung game namin ngayon. Malaking bagay ‘yung naglaro na kami para ‘yung maliliit na adjustments, ma-correct namin,” added the one-time PVL champion coach.

As PLDT prepares for the quarterfinals, both Samoilenko’s focused mindset and Ricafort’s tactical adjustments will be key in their quest for a deep playoff run.