Sta. Lucia bounces back with win vs PLDT; Chery Tiggo sweeps debuting Cignal

Sta. Lucia recovered from an opening day loss with a straight-set victory over the struggling PLDT Home Fibr, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21, in the 2021 PVL Open Conference Monday at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Ilocos Norte.

The Lady Realtors dominated the middle as the twin towers of Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata combined for 23 points while opposite hitter MJ Phillips carved out 14 markers, anchored on nine attacks and five blocks.

The victory pumped life to Sta. Lucia after a disheartening four-set beating against the defending champion Creamline on Saturday, 18-25, 20-25, 27-25, 18-25, to open their campaign.

Sta. Lucia head coach Eddieson Orcullo credited the team's collective effort en route to their big win.

"Actually everyone played well," Orcullo said in Filipino during the post-game interview.

"Everyone, including those players who did not see action, contributed to the win and that was actually our game plan—to just perform our specific roles."

PLDT, meanwhile, endured its second loss in as many games after dropping its season opener against Chery Tiggo, which continued its fine showing with a triumph over Cignal on Monday.

The Crossovers made quick work of the HD Spikers, 25-16, 25-13, 25-19, to remain unbeaten early in the contest.

PVL returns on Tuesday featuring the match between Creamline and PetroGazz at 3 p.m. as well as the clash of Black Mamba-Army and BaliPure at 6 p.m.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News