PLDT exacts revenge against Akari with clean sweep

PLDT avenged its previous dramatic semifinals loss to Akari as it pulled off a masterful 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 victory on Saturday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena. 

The High Speed Hitters improved to 4-2 to tie with Chery Tiggo in the team standings, while the Chargers, who were missing the services of Grethcel Soltones, fell to a 3-4 card. 

Savi Davison, who was not around during the said match against Akari, top-scored this time with 15 points anchored on 13 attacks and two blocks while Majoy Baron and Erika Santos supplied the support with 11 and 10 markers each. 

"Personally, nag-enjoy lang ako kasi parang na-excite din ako since first game of the year and ang tagal din ng break so parang mas excited and well-prepared talaga kami," Baron said. 

Already carrying a 2-0 set lead, the High Speed Hitters refused to ease on the gas pedal with middle blocker Dell Palomata leading their 7-1 start in the third set. 

Faith Nisperos then fueled a quick 2-0 run, but PLDT was quick to get on its feet by unleashing a 10-5 run capped by three quick attacks from Baron and a Davison block on the running Fifi Sharma for a 17-7 cushion. 

Kiesha Bedonia soared from the open side to bring PLDT to a comfortable match point at 24-14 before Baron's left-handed swipe in the middle finished it for the upset-seeking High Speed Hitters. 

The loss spoiled the return of libero Justine Jazareno, who is coming back after giving birth to her child. Only Nisperos had a double-digit output after finishing with 11 points as Ivy Lacsina was limited to six. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News