V-League: PLDT remains unbeaten, survives 5-setter vs Meralco

PLDT Home stayed undefeated in the Shakey's V-League Open Conference after surviving a thrilling five-setter against Meralco, 25-23, 23-25, 19-25, 25-12, 15-11, on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.

With the victory, the team claimed its sixth win to open their campaign, while their opponents slid to a 2-2 card.

UAAP Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez topscored the Ultra-fast Spikers with 23 points, 19 off attacks, while towering middle hitter Jaja Santiago finished with 14. Veteran Suzanne Roces and NCAA MVP Gretchel Soltones added 11 and 10 points.

La Salle triumvirate Stephanie Mercado, Aby Maraño, and Cha Cruz led the Power Spikers in scoring with their 18, 16, and 12 point-outputs, respectively, while former Lady Tamaraw Maica Morada tossed in 13.

PLDT seemed to be in fine form as they came out on top of the first set with their dominant attacks, but they dropped the next two as Meralco's offense started to get into rhythm.

Maraño energized her teammates and sparked their assault with her aggressive net play, while Cruz and Mercado provided the steady barrage of attacks to lift the team ahead by a full set against the fan-favorites.

The Power Spikers, however, deflated in the fourth, losing their earlier zeal and yielding four of the last five points off their own unforced errors in the most lopsided set of the match.

The Fast Spikers then gave away easy points at the beginning of the decider, but setter Ruby de Leon's second ball drop shots prevented Meralco from pulling away.

A service error spell hit Meralco mid-set, with three misses at the line hurting their cause even as they kept the game tight with their attacks.

De Leon then ignited PLDT's final run with another drop ball to push them ahead 11-10, while back to back errors from Cruz and Morada widened the gap.

Arianna Angustia hit a quick from the middle to put Meralco within two points, 13-11, but Roces finished off the game with a tip and an off speed attack. - RAF, GMA News