PLDT gained a share of the league lead after beating Akari, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
Majoy Baron fired 13 points on eight attacks, three blocks and two aces to take Player of the Game honors for the second match running.
At 6-1 (win-loss), the High Speed Hitters drew level with reigning champ Creamline as the race to the single-round robin semifinals resumed after the Holy Week break.
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"Happy na nag-perform kami. Malakas 'yung Akari eh. Sadyang 'yun nga, 'yung complacency 'yung pinakaproblema namin kung sakali. Pero 'yun nga, nag-perform naman, okay lang kahit ganun 'yung scores, basta nakuha namin. So medyo may bwelo kami going to the latter part na ng tournament," said Ricafort.
"Personally, siguro nakukuha ko na 'yung galaw na maayos, and nakaka-adjust na ako sa system ni Coach Rald (Ricafort), and 'yun, nag-eenjoy lang ako sa game and mas kumpiyansa na ako ngayon," Baron added.
Baron connived with PLDT's leading scorer thus far this conference in Savi Davison (11 points) alongside strong defensive displays from Kath Arado (17 digs) and Fiola Ceballos (eight receptions and five digs) in the one-hour, 35-minute contest.
Moreover, the High Speed Hitters limited their unforced errors to just 14 in three sets as Baron's fellow ex-F2 Logistics ace Kim Fajardo converted 14 excellent sets.
No Charger breached double figures with Dindin Manabat's nine markers pacing their fifth defeat in seven prelims matches.
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