PLDT kept its hot start to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference as it cut Galeries Tower down to size in straight sets, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17, on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Team captain Kath Arado had the Highrisers’ number all-match long on defense with 16 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Still without the likes of Savi Davison and Kianna Dy, the connection remained strong for the High Speed Hitters as PLDT cruised to a quick sweep two days after a statement opening-day win over Creamline.
“Dagdag kumpyansa talaga siya sa team, lalo na sa’kin as a team captain. ‘Yung negativity kasi talaga, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa mga hindrance para mag-improve ‘yung team,” Arado said.
“Magandang start ‘yun sa’min kasi defending (league) champions sila, so kailangan pa namin itaas pa yung standard namin as a team para mag-improve pa kami.”
Returning guest import Lena Samoilenko fired 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks in three sets as a follow-up to her 34-piece over the eight-time league champs.
With PLDT shot-caller Rald Ricafort utilizing his second-stringer rotation, it was the mainstay duo of Fiola Ceballos (14 points) and Erika Santos (nine points) that came to Samoilenko’s aid in delivering the hits.
Galeries’ young ace France Ronquillo was the lone Highriser in double figures with 11 as Thai reinforcement Sutadta Chuewulim was held to just seven.
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