RANRAN Abdilla carried PLDT Home TVolution-Air Force in dispatching Systema, 25-21, 25-13, 25-27, 25-15, in the men's division of the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference at Cuneta Astrodome on Wednesday night.
The 22-year old Bongao, Tawi-Tawi native came up with an all-around effort of 30 points, anchored on 20 spikes, four blocks, and six service aces for the Power Attackers as they began their title retention bid in style.
"Kailangan na mag step-up kasi isa siya sa mga key players ko. Expected ko 'yun sa kanya, maganda ang start niya, mataas din ang blocking niya at naka-contribute 'yun sa amin," said PLDT Home TVolution-Air Force coach Jasper Jimenez, referring to Abdilla.
Abdilla's teammates in the national team, Jeffrey Malabanan and Ron Jay Galang, chipped in 15 and 12 markers each for PLDT.
Already at match point, 25-24, the Power Attackers committed a couple of errors that gave way for the Active Smashers to extend the match to a fourth set.
After a 0-1 deficit in the fourth, the defending champion wasted no time and snatched the lead, 14-10.
The Power Attackers came up with an 11-5 run, capped by five straight points, behind Malabanan and JP Torres' efforts, to end the agony of last year's first runner-up.
Systema's last five points came from PLDT's errors.
Although the Power Attackers handed the Active Smashers 31 points from their miscues, they were in control of the game on both ends of the floor.
PLDT Home TVolution-Air Force dominated the net with 12 blocks against the six of Systema, while likewise registering more service aces (10-3).
The Power Attackers had 22 excellent digs while the Active Smashers had 14. Jessie Lopez came with 36 of the team's 37 perfect sets compared to Systema's 15.
Mark Lee made 13 points for Systema which absorbed its second consecutive loss in the conference.
Systema remained winless in three games against PLDT since the PSL Grand Prix last year.
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