Games tomorrow:
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. — Creamline vs Chery Tiggo
6:30 p.m. — Cignal vs Capital1
PLDT flexed its offensive might to hammer a masterful 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 win over Farm Fresh in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Savi Davison was unstoppable, delivering an array of powerful spikes, well-timed off-speed hits and smart plays at the net to post her third straight 20-plus performance for the High Speed Hitters who improved to 6-3 win-loss record.
The Filipino-Canadian sensation finished with 26 points, including the last four points that wrapped up the one-hour, 17-minute encounter.
While Davison once again led PLDT’s offense, it was rookie setter Angge Alcantara who orchestrated the plays and provided the spark with 12 excellent sets and four points, including consecutive 1-2 plays in the opening set.
“We prepared well for this game, knowing Farm Fresh wouldn’t go down easily. We’re happy to have dominated,” said Alcantara, who emphasized the team’s discipline, focus and responsibility as keys to their strong performance.
Despite the masterful conquest, the High Speed Hitters should not be complacent.
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort cited the importance of staying consistent as they enter the crucial phase of the tournament.
“We’re focused on taking it one game at a time, and we’re happy that, at least, our standing is still in the middle. But we need to maintain it,” Ricafort said in Filipino.
Mika Reyes tallied 10 points, while Erika Santos, Majoy Baron and Fiola Ceballos chipped in nine, eight and six, respectively, as the High Speed Hitters outgunned the Foxies, 52-31, and doubled its block output with eight.
Farm Fresh struggled, especially Trisha Tubu, who, after a career-high 33-point explosion against Galeries Tower, managed only nine points.
She was subbed in and out in the second set as coach Benson Bocboc experimented with new combinations that faltered against PLDT’s well-oiled offense and sturdy defense.
Caitlin Viray finished with six points, while Lorene Toring added five. Jolina dela Cruz, Rizza Cruz and Rachel Ann Daquis, slowly regaining her form, contributed four points each for the Foxies.
With just a few matches remaining before the knockout phase, every win is crucial for positioning in the standings.
PLDT now enjoys a much-needed break before facing defending champions Creamline on 15 February at the Ynares Center in Antipolo — a critical matchup that could shape their playoff seeding.
The High Speed Hitters will then wrap up the prelims against ZUS Coffee on 22 February at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh faces an uphill battle in its remaining schedule, beginning with a tough clash against Creamline on 11 February at Philsports Arena followed by a meeting with Capital1 Solar Spikers on 18 February.