By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters are on track to punching a ticket to the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference playoffs after taking down the Army-Black Mamba, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20.
Fresh off a momentum-clinching five-setter win against the Petro Gazz Angels in their last game, the High-Speed Hitters continued to show improved chemistry in their team and are currently deadlocked with the Creamline Cool Smashers for the no. 2 spot.
It was Jules Samonte who once again led the PLDT charge and top-scored the game with 17 huge points built from 20 successful attacks.
The former Ateneo de Manila University standout continued her terrific display of attack and was also their main point person during their five-set win against Petro Gazz.
Samonte immediately gave the High-Speed Hitters early momentum in the match after mounting a personal run in the opening set that helped her team jump to a comfortable 23-17 lead.
However, Ilongga veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga stepped up to the occasion and led the Black Mamba in the second set.
After converting on two-straight quick hits to give Army back the lead, the duo of Ivy Perez and Nene Bautista then finished what Gonzaga started to tie things up at one set apiece.
The first half of the third set turned into a dogfight as Army’s Bautista and PDLT’s Mika Reyes answered each other with their offensive runs but a series of unfortunate unforced errors haunted the Black Mamba for the rest of the match.
PLDT then took control of the full game and capitalized on Army’s unforced errors that put them in a favorable position in the fourth and final set.
Rhea Dimaculangan then put the game on her shoulders and orchestrated the PLDT attack with her efficient 20 excellent sets.
Despite a late explosion from Gonzaga, the duo of Samonte and Reyes sealed the deal and helped the High-Speed Hitters to another win with a dazzling 3-1 record.
