PLDT boosted their chances of making it to the semis with a 3-0 sweep against Cignal, 25-23, 25-23, 25-14, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday night.
Jovy Prado led the High Speed Hitters with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks, while Mean Mendrez contributed 13 markers in the team's fifth win in seven games.
PLDT clinched the tight first set at 25-23 and came back strong late in the second frame, unleashing a 7-2 blitz that allowed them to gain a 24-23 edge. Michelle Morente nailed an off-the-block hit for a 2-0 lead after Rose Doria saved a point for the HD Spikers.
PLDT dominated the third frame, racing to an 18-4 lead and finishing with a 25-14 victory to complete their bounce back from a straight sets loss against the league-leading Creamline last Tuesday.
High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort highlighted the lesson they learned from the Creamline game, "How we react after losing and what adjustments we need to make based on Creamline's performance against us."
Morente had another impressive performance for PLDT with 10 points, 12 excellent digs, and five excellent receptions. Rhea Dimaculangan had 19 excellent sets, and Kath Arado collected 25 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions in an hour and 56 minutes of action.
"Although we had a slow start in the early sets, we are happy with the good result," added Ricafort.
The High Speed Hitters are on the verge of making it to the semis in the PVL, but they need to win their final game against Choco Mucho to secure their spot and officially eliminate Chery Tiggo.
Meanwhile, Rose Doria was the only double-digit scorer for the 2-5 HD Spikers with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Rachel Daquis finished with nine markers and five excellent receptions but suffered from cramps late in the third.
