By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PLDT bucked a slow start as it downed Nxled, 22-25, 25-17, 25-11, 25-20, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna on Thursday, Nov. 2.
The High Speed Hitters turned to veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan to deliver a variety of plays that had the Chameleons scrambling for defense to post their third win in four outings.
The win also tied them with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at third place.
Dimaculangan steered the crew with 20 excellent sets, allowing Fil-Canadian Savannah Davison to produce 20 kills for 21 points.
Erika Santos also pumped in 17 points, including 16 attacks.
“Lesson samin yung bawal mag-slow start kasi mabigat mag-serve yung Nxled na nag-cause samin ng kaguluhan sa first set. Buti naka-recover naman kami kaagad don,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.
Despite bowing in the opening frame, PLDT refused to be intimidated as it slowly regained its composure particularly in the third set where they led by 20-8 en route to a 2-1 set lead.
Nxled tried to put up a fight in the fourth set by trimming its 15-5 deficit to 16-10, before PLDT retaliated with beautiful plays for set point, 24-16.
The Chameleons tried to stay alive by saving four match points highlighted by back-to-back aces from Chiara Permentilla before Rachel Austero’s crosscourt spike sealed the win for the HD Spikers.
Nxled tried to expose PLDT’s weak receptions by unloading 10 aces, but the High Speed Hitters banked on their attacks by posting 67 kills compared to the Chameleons’ 35.
Lycha Ebon scored 11 points to emerge the lone double-digit scorer for Nxled, which fell to its third loss against a single win.
