MANILA, Philippines – With a 3 to 0 victory over Cignal in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday night, PLDT increased their prospects of moving on to the semifinals. The scores were 25 to 23, 25 to 23, and 25 to 14.

The High-Speed Hitters’ fifth victory in seven games was paced by Jovy Prado, who finished with 14 points on 11 shots and three blocks. Mean Mendrez chipped in with 13 points.

PLDT rebounded strongly late in the second period, launching a 7 to 2 blitz that helped them to gain a 24 to 23 advantage. They went on to win the close opening set at 25 to 23. Rose Doria had just denied the HD Spikers a point when Michelle Morente slammed a shot off the block for a 2 to 0 advantage.

After losing in straight sets to the league leading Creamline last Tuesday, PLDT completely recovered in the third frame, surging to an 18 to 4 advantage and winning it with a score of 25 to 14.

Rald Ricafort, the head coach of the High-Speed Hitters, emphasized that the team’s reaction to defeat and the changes that must be made in light of Creamline’s performance against them were the lessons they took away from the contest with Creamline.

With 10 points, 12 superb digs, and five superb receptions, Morente had another strong outing for PLDT. In an hour and 56 minutes of play, Kath Arado recorded 25 fantastic digs, Rhea Dimaculangan had 19 excellent sets, and Rhea Dimaculangan won the game on 13 excellent receptions.

Although we got off to a sluggish start in the early sets, Ricafort continued, “we are satisfied with the good result.

The PVL’s High-Speed Hitters are just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals, but they must defeat Choco Mucho in order to lock up their berth and definitively knock out Chery Tiggo.

For the 2 to 5 HD Spikers, Rose Doria was the only player to score in double figures with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Despite having nine goals and five outstanding receptions, Rachel Daquis ended the game with cramps in the third quarter.