PLDT falls to Zhetysu, ends AVC Champions League run

PLDT fell to Kazakhstan's Zhetysu, 25-13, 25-22, 25-20, in the quarterfinals of the AVC Women's Champions League on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

After leading 21-19 in the third set, an error from the Kazakhs put the High Speed Hitters within one before Zhetysu made four straight to seal the victory. 

With the loss, PLDT bowed out of the Asian tourney.

Tatyana Nikitina led the Kazakhs with 19 points from 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Karyna Denysova added 15 points as Zhetysu advanced to the semifinals.

Reinforcements led the High Speed Hitters with Savi Davison posting 13 points, while Wilma Salas added 11 points.

Head coach Rald Ricafort said their opponents' international exposure was a plus for them, but the Philippine clubs are not that far from the foreign clubs' level.

"Itong nae-experience namin na magkakasama kami, kailangan namin i-cherish kasi ito 'yung magpapahabol sa chemistry ng team. Pero 'yung nagpahirap? Siguro in general, high level lang talaga sila. Pero sa nakikita ko sa trends, hindi naman tayo sobrang layo, may reinforcements man or wala," he said.

Prior to this, PLDT defeated Australia's Queensland Pirates, but fell to Thailand's Nakhon Ratchisima QminC.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News