High Speed Hitters take solo lead in Pool A; Cool Smashers down Crossovers

PLDT needed to survive a marathon first set before crushing Nxled, 32-30, 25-18, 25-17, to remain unscathed in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday, July 30.

Pushed to their limits in the opening set, the High Speed Hitters banked on a total team effort to dismantle the Chameleons the rest of the way and tally their third win in the tournament.

With the victory, PLDT remained on top of Pool B while Nxled fell to 1-2 in Pool A.

Russian opposite hitter Elena Samoilenko and Erika Santos conspired for 39 points to anchor the High Speed Hitters.

“Good start. Sana matuloy-tuloy namin sa last two games [kasi medyo] mabigat na ‘tong last two,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort. “‘Yong Chery Tiggo and Farm [Fresh].” 

Chiara Permentilla collected 15 points while Trisha Mae Genesis backstopped her with 12 in a losing effort.

Earlier, Creamline clinched its second win at the expense of Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, 25-19.

The Cool Smashers recovered from a sluggish showing in the second frame and weathered Khat Bell’s 31-point eruption for the Crossovers who were dealt with their first loss in three games. 

Delivering the goods for Creamline, which improved to 2-1, was Bernadette Pons who had career-high 25 points while import Erica Staunton added 21.