In the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Thursday, PLDT defeated Petro Gazz in a nail-biting 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference match by scores of 21-25, 31-29, 25-21, 21-25, and 15-13.

The High Speed Hitters, Chery Tiggo, Creamline, and the Cargo Movers are now tied for first place at 3-1 after the High Speed Hitters’ conference debut loss to F2 Logistics in five sets.

With the game-winning crosscourt hit to end the second five-set match of the day, Mich Morente finished with 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, an ace, and 15 digs.

Jovie Prado excelled out on offense and defense with 15 goals and 13 receptions, matching Mean Mendrez’s effort of 21 points with 18 attacks.

Thanks to Kath Arado, who swept the taraflex with 40 digs and 20 receptions, the High Speed Hitters demonstrated why they are the league leaders in the digging and receiving department. As a result, PLDT was able to take a 2-1 lead after the Angels won the opening set, 21-25.

While everything was going on, Petro Gazz recorded a new conference-high 14 kill blocks to maintain its position and force a decider.

And yet, the Angels were unable to mount a comeback in a back-and-forth fifth set because, in the very end, they could muster only 63 attacks to the High Speed Hitters’ 74.

In her first start following a shoulder injury, MJ Phillips recorded a conference-high six blocks in addition to 24 points on 18 attempts. Gretchel Soltones contributed 17 marks and 16 digs, while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas contributed 19.

Along with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, the Angels’ record fell to 2-2.

To defeat the tough Army-Black Mamba, Choco Mucho took five sets

When the Lady Troopers scored six straight points to go within 12-11, Kat Tolentino came to the Flying Titans’ aid by hitting back-to-back kills to return them to the win column and give them a 2-2 (win-loss) record.

Regine Arocha filled Des Cheng’s spot with her 13 points, which she built on 12 attacks, a block, and 8 rebounds. Tolentino concluded with 20 points. In the fifth set, she also stepped up to assist the Flying Titans in taking a 12-7 lead.

With 13 blocks in five sets, the Flying Titans tied F2 Logistics for the most in the league.

Isa Molde provided firepower with 19 points off 18 shots, while Maddie Madayag completed the quartet of Flying Titans with 10 points.

The Lady Troopers, however, continued their winless record, which now stands at 17 games dating back to their 2022 PVL Invitational Conference eliminations.

With 30 unforced errors prevented the Lady Troopers from pulling off an upset despite their valiant efforts in the fourth set, when they overcame a 17-21 deficit to force a decider.

Jeanette Villareal, who scored 19 points, and Honey Royse Tubino, who scored 17, led the army. Nene Bautista and Lutgarda Malaluan both tallied 12 points, with Ivy Perez contributing 10.