SAN JUAN CITY — In a high-octane match filled with dramatic turns, the PLDT High Speed Hitters clinched a hard-fought victory over Chery Tiggo in a five-set showdown on Tuesday, securing their place in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference semifinals.
The intense battle, which lasted two hours and 19 minutes, ended with PLDT narrowly edging out the Crossovers, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Majoy Baron and Elena Samoilenko led PLDT’s offensive charge, delivering crucial plays that turned the tide in the fifth set.
Baron’s critical block and Samoilenko’s dominant spikes were instrumental in their team’s comeback, ensuring PLDT’s advance to face the unbeaten Akari Chargers in the semifinals.
“This victory is the result of hard work and the belief that we deserve to be here,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Even in non-bearing games, we give it our all because we want to instill a culture where every match matters.”
The game saw Samoilenko scoring 37 points, just three points shy of Chery Tiggo’s Kath Bell, who led all scorers with 40 points.
Despite Bell’s outstanding performance, the Crossovers fell short as PLDT’s resilience and strategic plays in the fourth and fifth sets proved decisive.
Baron, reflecting on the win, highlighted the role of experience in such high-pressure moments.
“It all boils down to experience – not only in this conference, but also in my whole volleyball career. Pag ganitong pitpitan, mas masarap maglaro,” she said.
In the final set, after a series of ties and lead changes, PLDT pulled ahead with a 7-4 lead.
Chery Tiggo tried to rally, closing the gap to 7-8, but the High Speed Hitters maintained their composure.
Samoilenko sealed the victory with a block on Mylene Paat’s attempt, ending the Crossovers’ hopes and sending the PLDT bench into a frenzied celebration.
With this win, PLDT not only avenged their earlier elimination round loss to Chery Tiggo but also set the stage for an eagerly awaited semifinal clash against Akari, which promises to be another intense encounter.
Games tomorrow (Thursday)
4 p.m. – PLDT/Chery Tiggo vs Akari
6 p.m. – Creamline/Petro Gazz vs Cignal
