Mika Reyes stars as PLDT sweeps Army to open PVL Invitational semis

PLDT got off to a rousing start in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference semifinals after eking out a 25-22, 25-18, 25-21 straight sets victory over Army Black Mamba on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Mika Reyes delivered 16 points, including the set-winning points in second and third frames, as the former La Salle tower continues her case as this conference's top middle blocker.

Another middle blocker in Dell Palomata was unstoppable as she poured 12 points while opposite hitter Toni Rose Basas and Fiola Ceballos chimed in with 11 and 10 markers each.

PLDT went 1-0 early in the semifinals while Army opened its campaign with a 0-1 card.

The Lady Troopers looked like they could put up a fight in the tight opening set after tying the game at 22, but the Power Hitters answered with a quick 3-0 closing run to go a set ahead, 25-22.

It was a similar case in the second set where PLDT was able to establish a gap midway but Army chopped down its deficit to just three, 17-20, off an ace from veteran Nene Bautista.

Back-to-back points from Reyes, though, ultimately handed the set to PLDT, 25-18.

A number of deadlocks were seen in the final set with setter Sarah Gonzales going for a one-two kill to tie things up at 20-all. But PLDT held on, igniting for a 5-1 rampage capped by a Reyes attack to seal the deal.

—JMB, GMA News