PLDT boosted its semifinal bid in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference with a swift victory over also-ran Gerflor, 25-18, 25-17, 26-24, on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
Kath Arado took charge for the High Speed Hitters on defense with 20 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
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Now tied for second place with Chery Tiggo at 2-1 (win-loss) record, the last Pool A semis seat will be up for grabs on the final day of pool play on Tuesday.
Gerflor, winless in three matches, will play Akari on Tuesday to wrap up the preliminaries before taking part in the midseason tournament’s classification phase.
Led by veteran ace Mina Aganon-Digal, the Defenders tried to extend the match, saving five match.
But a late dagger by former La Salle Lady Spiker Erika Santos crushed Gerflor's comeback bid to complete the sweep.
Arado said Jovy Prado, who injured her left knee in a loss to Creamline, served as motivation for the squad to secure an all-important win.
“Tuwang-tuwa kami kasi hindi naman kami napanghinaan ng loob kahit ‘yung nangyari nung last game. Motivated pa rin ‘yung mga players, lalo na ako, after nung nangyaring injury kay ate Jovy Prado,” Arado said.
“Grabe kasi ‘yung motivation ni ate [Jovy] kahit nasa labas siya. Gina-guide niya pa rin ako, gina-guide niya ‘yung bawat isa kaya parang hindi siya nawawala sa loob ng court,” she added.
Taking Prado’s place in PLDT’s rotation was the ever-reliable Fiola Ceballos, who had 13 attack points.
The High Speed Hitters’ third prelims win officially knocks out Gerflor from semis contention.
Alyssa Bertolano led the also-ran Defenders with 12 points.
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