By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters proved to be too much for the NXLED Chameleons after blanking them in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, 25-22, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on February 27, 2024, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Fresh off a lopsided victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers during their first match of the conference, the High-Speed Hitters picked up where they left off and replicated its dominant outing against NXLED.
However, it wasn’t a walk in the park like their win over Galeries as the Chameleons kept it close during the three-set encounter.
NXLED had their chance of pulling off an equalizing win in the second set after inching closer by two points, 24-22, but PLDT’s star outside hitter Savannah Davison dealt the final blow to steer the High-Speed Hitters to a 2-0 advantage.
The nip-and-tuck affair continued in the third and final set as NXLED finally got their offense going consistently, catching PLDT off guard with their quick 1-2 burst attacks.
With PLDT in dire need of a point to close out the game, Cams Victoria stepped up in the crucial moment of the match to kill the ball and tally the final score for the High-Speed Hitters.
“Happy na medyo natuloy namin yung momentum last game pero marami pa rin aayusin lalo mabigat yung mga susunod na kalaban so magpiprepare pa kami,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Kath Arado, a former Best Libero awardee of the PVL, held the fort for PLDT after tallying 29 excellent digs alongside 12 excellent receptions.
Jessey De Leon delivered a solid scoring game for the High-Speed Hitters after registering 11 points and two service aces while newcomer Majoy Baron chipped in 10 markers.
