PLDT connects second straight win, sweeps Chery Tiggo

Games Thursday:

(FilOil EcoOil Centre)

4:00 p.m. — Choco Mucho vs Army

6:30 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs PLDT

PLDT held off a furious late third set fightback by erstwhile unbeaten Chery Tiggo to complete a 25-13, 25-22, 27-25, sweep for its second straight victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Mean Mendrez led three other teammates in double-digit scoring with 14 points anchored on 13 kills for the High Speed Hitters, who handed the Crossovers their first loss in the season-opening tournament while improving to a 2-1 win-loss slate tied with idle Petro Gazz.

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort praised his wards for perfectly running their gameplan to outclass Chery Tiggo.

I think we're able to execute our game plan to the tee because the game went smoothly," he said.

"The process could be challenging but they appreciate it when everything goes according to plan. That's what happened in this game, we executed the plans we plotted for days."

The High Speed Hitterss took the first matchpoint advantage off an off the block kill by Mendrez. The Crossovers saved a point only to see Mika Reyes score a runner for a 25-24 advantage.

EJ Laure tied it at 25 in the next play before Jovy Prado delivered the win for PLDT with an off speed attack and a crosscourt hit to end the match in one hour and 37 minutes.

Dell Palomata and Prado got 12 markers each while Michelle Morente had 10 for the High Speed Hitters, who will have a day of rest before marching back into battle against the Angels on Thursday.

"We're blessed we got the win today but we still have to work again because of our tight schedule," Ricafort said.

Kath Arado tallied 16 digs and 17 excellent receptions, Prado was also active on defense with 15 digs and seven excellent receptions while Rhea Dimaculangan dished out 21 excellent sets to help set up PLDT's 50 attack points.

Chery Tiggo saw its three-game winning run snapped as it joined defending champion Creamline and F2 Logistics in a three-way tie at the top spot.

Mylene Paat scored 16 points for the Crossovers while Laure got 10 markers and nine excellent receptions.