PLDT regrouped in time to pull off a 25-19, 25-12, 25-21 bounce-back victory against Army-Black Mamba in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All Filipino Conference on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.
Kath Arado anchored the floor defense of PLDT with 33 digs and 14-of-14 receptions in three sets, helping High Speed Hitters get untracked after a five-set loss to F2 Logistics in their conference debut.
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The High Speed Hitters tied Petro Gazz at 1-1 record while dealing the Lady Troopers their second straight loss.
Mean Mendrez led all scorers with 11 points in her first start for PLDT while Jovie Prado finished with near triple double of nine points, 12 digs and 12 receptions.
"Ang goal naman din talaga nila every game is mag-improve pa. Happy kami na nakakuha na ng una, pero marami pang hahabulin," PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said.
In contrast to the fiercely fought first set that saw PLDT overturn a 15-17 deficit behind a 10-2 run, the High Speed Hitters took control of the second and third frame in dominant fashion.
The Lady Troopers threatened with a comeback late in the third set, but the High Speed Hitters' bench players contributing essential points before Rhea Dimaculangan laced the victory with a service ace.
Honey Royse Tubino led the Lady Troopers in defeat with eight points.
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