By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters kept its winning streak alive after asserting their mastery over Strong Group, 25-12, 25-21, 25-17, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on April 9, 2024, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
With another victory, the High-Speed Hitters just notched its fifth consecutive win in the PVL and shared top-seed honors with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans with an identical win-loss record of 7-1.
Kiesha Bedonia proved to be the difference maker for the PLDT as the efficient outside hitter wrapped up the win with 16 big points derived from 16 successful attacks.
Aside from her offensive contribution, Bedonia also fortified the High-Speed Hitters’ floor coverage defense after tallying eight excellent receptions.
From the get-go, PLDT immediately went to work on the offensive end and built an early momentum when they established a double-digit lead.
With Bedonia, Savannah Davison, and Erika Santos firing from all cylinders for PLDT, the High-Speed Hitters ended the first set in a jiffy and headed to the next frame carrying a boosted confidence.
Although Strong Group committed fewer unforced errors that helped them keep themselves within striking distance, PLDT still found a way to steal the set, thanks to back-to-back crucial hits from Bedonia and a clutch block from veteran middle blocker Majoy Baron.
The third set was a repeat of the first as the High-Speed Hitters started the game on their terms, neutralizing Strong Group’s quick 1-2 attack sets with their well-timed blocks in the middle.
Midway through the set, PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort then tweaked his rotation, activating some of his bench spikers to help them grab the momentum-boosting win.
“Yun naman yung game plan all along. Happy kami na naactivate lahat saka nagperform nang maayos,” said Ricafort after the win.
The High-Speed Hitters will gun for their sixth straight victory on April 16, 2024, as they challenge the tough Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the last game of the scheduled doubleheader.
