By Jean Malanum
MANILA – PLDT seeks to keep the No. 4 seeding when it battles ZUS Coffee on Saturday in the last playdate of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminary round at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo City.
The High Speed Hitters, sporting an 8-3 record, will meet the Thunderbelles (4-6) at 4 p.m.
PLDT hopes to sustain its momentum after beating Creamline, 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14, last Saturday.
Savi Davison delivered a career-high 34 points off 29 attacks and five blocks, and made 17 excellent receptions, while Mary Joy Baron had 15 points, including 12 attacks, in the victory that snapped the Cool Smashers’ 19-match streak.
Fiola Ceballos added 14 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions while Mika Reyes and Erika Santos chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“Maybe, with the help of this (win), we now have something to carry with us, proving that we can perform in big games. That is really the most important thing, along with the trust and confidence that we can truly compete,” PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said.
Spearheading the Thunderbelles are Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit, and standout rookie Thea Gagate.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho (7-3) and Chery Tiggo (5-5) square off at 6 p.m.
The Flying Titans will bank on Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz, and Royse Tubino while Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles, and Aby Maraña will lead the Crossovers.
“Of course, we really needed that win for our placement and for our mindset. It will serve as our motivation so that when we reach the playoffs, we will have confidence,” Choco Mucho head mentor Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino after surviving the Nxled Chameleons on Feb. 13. (PNA)
