PLDT sweeps Akari, grabs first win

PLDT barged into the win column after its battled-tested connection wreaked havoc on Akari's defense in a 25-16, 25-16, 25-23, sweep in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The High Speed Hitters relied on familiarity and chemistry in the tight third set to stave off the late rally of the Chargers to join their victim in the standings with identical 1-1 win-loss records.

"We responded well from our loss in the first game and we were able to execute everything that we did in practice. I guess, the jelling is now there and everyone is loosening up especially Savannah," PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said.

"Even though it was tight at the third we were able to get the win."

Filipino-Canadian hitter Savannah Davison was smoking-hot on attacks with 14 including the game-clinching kill to close the one-hour, 36-minute encounter as she finished with 19 points for PLDT, which recovered from an opening-day loss to sister team Cignal last Sunday.

Davison, a US National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 standout, also chipped in seven digs and six excellent receptions as she shrugged off the rookie jitters she felt during her debut.

"I think the first game took me by surprise," Davison, who had 17 markers in the previous match, said.

"The fans are amazing so supportive. But if you come from somewhere else it looks different, right? I got acclimated and I'm used to it now. I just came into this game as calm as I could be," Davison, who had three kill blocks said.

Akari came back from four points down in the third set and briefly took the lead 22-21 after an Ezra Madrigal block. PLDT skipper Mika Reyes answered with a power tip, Jessey De Leon scored an ace on misreceiving Trisha Genesis before Faith Nisperos sent her attack long as the High Speed Hitters got to match point.

Nisperos saved a point off a through the block kill but Davison sealed the win with a booming spike.

Dell Palomata added 13 points, Erika Santos had 12, Royse Tubino posted 11 while setter Rhea Dimaculangang dished out 15 excellent sets for the High Speed Hitters.

Akari was outmuscled by PLDT in the battle of spurts in the first two sets.

The Chargers failed to take advantage of their momentum following a five-set win over powerhouse F2 Logistics last Sunday.

Nisperos led Akari with 11 points while Dindin Santiago-Manabat had a quiet 10-point outing.