By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PLDT Home Fibr swept undermanned Chery Tiggo, 25-18, 25-19, 25-14, Tuesday to open its Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference campaign on a high note at The Arena in San Juan.
Mika Reyes steered the Power Hitters with 15 points highlighted by 12 kills and three blocks while Toni Rose Basas chipped in 14 points, including 13 from the attack line.
PLDT needed almost an hour and a half in dismantling Chery Tiggo, which missed five players, including Dindin Manabat and EJ Laure.
Manabat sprained her ankle during practice while EJ Laure, Buding Duremdes, Alina Bicar and Justine Dorog did not play due to health and safety protocols.
That left Mylene Paat, Maika Ortiz and Shaya Adorador to carry the load, but their efforts were not enough as they combined for only 20 points – no thanks to PLDT’s solid defense.
So sharp and strong was PLDT it produced 48 kills while limiting Chery Tiggo to just half of its output.
The Power Hitters also stepped up in the service area with six aces compared to only two for the Crossovers – all coming from Jasmine Nabor.
Jules Samonte also shone for PLDT with 11 points while Fiola Ceballos added 10 points and 14 digs.
Rhea Dimaculangan distributed the ball well and converted all of the team’s 21 excellent sets.
