PLDT downs Cignal, stays in semifinal hunt

PLDT relied on Elena Samoilenko as it downed sister team Cignal, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, to keep its semifinal campaign alive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The power-hitting Samoilenko unloaded a game-best 26 points spread through 22 kills and four blocks in helping the High Speed Hitters stay in contention with a 3-4 record.

The High Speed Hitters would need to beat the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-2) in their last game Thursday at the MOA Arena if they want to make it to the semis.

For the second straight game, the Russian spiker drew the much-needed support from Dell Palomata, Mika Reyes and Toni Rose Basas, who scattered 15, 11 and 10 hits, respectively.

“Sinabi lang sa amin na i-enjoy lang yung game kasi nung third set, nawalan kami ng connection sa isa’t-isa,” said Palomata.

In its 25-11, 25-21, 25-19 rout of Akari last week, PLDT saw Samoilenko exploding for 20 points while the potent Reyes-Palomata duo up front dropped 15 and 11 hits, respectively.

Cignal dropped to 3-3 to tie with Choco Mucho in the middle standings despite Tai Bierria and Ces Molina combining for 16 and 15 points, respectively.