By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Twin towers Elena Samoilenko and Majoy Baron delivered in the clutch as PLDT turned back a fiesty Chery Tiggo side, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, to clinch a semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Holding to a slim 10-9 lead in the deciding fifth frame, Samoilenko and Baron took charge on both ends by winning the next five points including a double block on Mylene Paat that sealed their ticket to the next phase.
It was the High Speed Hitters’ first semifinal appearance since finishing fourth in last year’s First All-Filipino Conference. They landed sixth in the last Reinforced Conference held in 2022.
The win also arranged PLDT a semis clash with the Akari Chargers, who downed the Farm Fresh Foxies in four sets last Saturday, Aug. 24.
Samoilenko torched the net by exploding for 37 points built on 32 attacks, three blocks and two aces, while Baron rose to the occasion and scattered four of her nine points in the deciding set.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort credited his team’s composure particularly in the crunch.
“Masaya ako na yung composure na hinahanap namin dati, lumitaw in this game,” said Ricafort.
“Gusto naming ipasok yung culture na ilalaban talaga bawat laro.”
Indeed, the High Speed Hitters refused to get intimidated after stumbling into a 2-1 set deficit, unleashing their offensive might by delivering 20 attacks to dominate the fourth set.
Chery Tiggo fought back in the fifth and took an early 4-3 lead, but it turned out to be its last stand as Baron and Samoilenko joined forces with Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo to eliminate the Crossovers.
Fajardo was equally impressive throughout, spreading the offense and finishing with 23 excellent sets, while Fiola Ceballos fueled the crew in the early stages and managed 12 points.
It was a heartbreaking defeat for Kath Bell, who erupted for 40 points in a losing effort for Chery Tiggo.
