PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort was pleased to see the High Speed Hitters' second-string players embrace the spotlight in their straight-set victory over Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
Ricafort emptied his bench and provided equal opportunities to his players against the Defenders, and they gladly seized the chance, securing a 25-8, 25-9, 25-17 win at the Philsports Arena on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive victory.
"We explained it to them. Regardless of who the opponent is, whether they are top teams or newcomers, as long as we can control the game, we manage the minutes of the starters," said the PVL champion coach after the win.
"They understand that from training, and they are capable of doing it. Fortunately, they performed decently," he added.
Jules Samonte, who only subbed in for the first two sets before starting in the third, contributed 10 points through seven attacks and three aces. Rachel Austero, who had limited playing time in the team's previous matches, also scored 10 points, including three kill blocks.
Fiola Ceballos stepped up for PLDT with eight points, while Jessey De Leon and Lut Malaluan both chipped in with six points each.
Ricafort mentioned that the team decided to give star middle blocker Mika Reyes a much-needed rest due to slight pain in her right shoulder from a previous injury.
"Just for Mika (Reyes), it's about giving her the rest she needs. Her previous injury still causes some minor discomfort, so it's for management purposes and to give the middle players who rarely get a chance to play an opportunity."
