By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PLDT relied on Elena Samoilenko as it downed sister team Cignal, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, to keep its semifinal campaign alive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The power-hitting Samoilenko unloaded a game-best 26 points spread through 22 kills and four blocks in helping the High Speed Hitters stay in contention after improving their record to 3-4.
The High Speed Hitters, however, must beat the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-2) in their last game Thursday at the MOA Arena if they want to make it to the semis.
For the second straight game, the Russian spiker drew the much-needed support from Dell Palomata, Mika Reyes and Toni Rose Basas, who logged 15, 11 and 10 hits, respectively.
“Sinabi lang sa amin na i-enjoy lang yung game kasi nung third set, nawalan kami ng connection sa isa’t-isa,” said Palomata.
In its 25-11, 25-21, 25-19 rout of Akari last week, Samoilenko fired 20 points while Reyes and Palomata dropped 15 and 11 hits, respectively.
Cignal slipped to 3-3 in a tie with Choco Mucho in the middle standings despite Tai Bierria and Ces Molina combining for 16 and 15 points, respectively.
