PLDT Home Ultera made short work of University of the Philippines, 25-11, 25-17, 25-17, to reach the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Sunday.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led the way for the Ultra Fast Hitters with 13 points while skipper Sue Roces added 11, Janine Marciano chipped in nine and Lou Ann Latigay contributed eight in a match that needed an hour and 10 minutes to finish.
The Ultra Fast Hitters will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Philippine Army and Philippine Navy. The top-seeded Lady Troopers are armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the duel.
Rookie Maria Lina Molde finished with seven points for UP, which will play in the battle for third against the loser in the Army-Navy battle.
Although PLDT Home Ultera coach Roger Gorayeb was confident of winning, he admitted he didn't expect his team to win so easily against the Lady Maroons.
“Syempre nagpapasalamat naman ako kasi nasa finals na pero kasi mas maganda ang nilaro ng UP against us during the elimination,” said the veteran mentor referring to their four-set win over UP, 25-12, 22-25, 25-15, 25-17 on October 31.
“Syempre expected ko mananalo kami, pero noong (eliminations) naka-four sets sila sa amin pero before the game sabi ko sa mga bata, ang laro natin pang laro na pang-finals, hindi ‘yung laro na pang-UP ang kalaban natin,” he added.
Gorayeb, who was banking on his local veterans, did not field his two American imports Victoria Hurtt and Sareea Freeman who he said are still adjusting to the Philippine brand of play.
“Nag-aadjust adjust pa sa laro natin (ang imports ko) kasi ibang klase kasi (ang laro sa Pilipinas) eh, kaya nga ginusto ko munang i-upo sila panoorin niyo kung ano ang mangyayari para makita niyo kung ano talaga ang ginagalaw,” he continued.