By NIKOLE JAVIER
PLDT stunned top seed Chery Tiggo in a straight-set, 25-13, 25-22, 27-25, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, Feb. 21.
Their confidence boosted after scoring a similar straight-set win the last time, the High Speed Hitters started strongly before warding off Chery Tiggo’s determined challenge in the third set for a 2-1 record.
PLDT had four players in double figures in a total team effort, with Mean Mendrez finishing with 14 points, while Dell Palomata and Jovielyn Prado added 12 markers each.
Mich Morente also came through with 10 points to help the team hand the Crossovers their first defeat in four starts.
Tied at 25-all in the third set, Prado took matters into her own hands, nailing the last two points to finally take the fight out Chery Tiggo.
Mylene Paat led the Crossovers with a 16-point outing while EJ Laure contributed 10 as they absorbed a 3-1 record in the standings, sharing a similar slate with the Creamline Cool Smashers and the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
Meantime, Akari finally barged into the win-column after three failed tries with a 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19 win over Army.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat delivered 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks and an ace in the much-needed win.
