PLDT fueled by past heartbreaks

PLDT drew inspiration from its previous heartbreaks, paving the way for a shocking win over erstwhile undefeated Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference late Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

High Speed Hitters coach Rald Ricafort said they were able to execute their game plan to perfection after absorbing all the lessons they had in their previous matches.

"That's where we drew the energy from. It was disheartening because we didn't deliver our plans properly," said Ricafort following their masterful 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-25, 15-13 win that denied the Flying Titans a sweep of the all-Filipino wars.

"But we looked on the other side, if we want to learn, we have to use the experiences given to us."

True enough, the High Speed Hitters were at their best during the emotional encounter that lasted for two hours and 29 minutes.

Despite the valiant efforts of Sisi Rondina, who spearheaded Choco Mucho's amazing comeback from 0-2 set down and 13-18 deficit in the third set, rookie Kiesha Bedonia stepped up, delivering crucial hits that kept the High Speed Hitters afloat in the decider.

Bedonia's impact proved decisive. With nerves of steel, she seized the moment and propelled PLDT to match point — on a powerful baseline blast and a through-the-block hit that ripped through Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino's arms.

Tolentino tried to extend the set and the match, but her attack proved long and the High Speed Hitters secured the emotional win after the Flying Titans lost their block touch challenge.

With the win, the High Speed Hitters forged a logjam on top with four other teams — Choco Mucho, Cignal, Creamline and Petro Gazz — fashioning 4-1 win-loss slates.

"We didn't think about breaking their streak. What's important is (winning) this game so that we can achieve our goal to be in the top four," Ricafort said.