PLDT clinches QF berth; Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz revive playoff hopes

PLDT made quick work of ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 25-14, 25-12, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena. 

Russian import Elena Samoilenko took charge with a team-high 14 points she laced with eight digs and six receptions while middle blockers Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes chipped in 13 and nine markers apiece. 

PLDT improved to 5-1, forging a two-way tie at second spot with Cignal which had earlier booked its playoff spot. 

Meanwhile, Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho outlasted Creamline and Chery Tiggo to remain in the playoff hunt. 

The defending champions Angels blew an early two sets lead, but still escaped the Cool Smashers in five sets, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-12 while the Flying Titans pulled off a similar 25-16, 25-11, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12 thriller against the Crossovers. 

Wilma Salas and Brooke Van Sickle connived to power Petro Gazz with the former pouring in 34 points and 17 digs while the latter churned out 24 markers and 18 receptions as they improved to 3-3. 

Mean Mendrez, meanwhile, emerged as the unlikely hero for Choco Mucho after detonating for a team-high 18 points while Dindin Santiago-Manabat chimed in with 17 markers, helping the franchise hike its standing to 2-4. 

Creamline and Chery Tiggo dropped to 4-2. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News