High Speed Hitters Edge Cool Smashers in Five-Set Thriller

In an exhilarating showdown at the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, the PLDT High Speed Hitters triumphed over the Creamline Cool Smashers in a five-set thriller on Tuesday night.

The match concluded with a score of 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, marking a victorious start for PLDT in the opening day of the tournament.

Lena Samoilenko, who narrowly missed matching her career-best of 35 points, delivered an impressive 34 points, driving the High Speed Hitters to their win.

“It feels so good,” said the towering Russian hitter. Her four-point surge in the final stretch was pivotal, securing a share of the Pool A lead alongside Chery Tiggo and Nxled.

Fiola Ceballos’s off-the-block hit sealed the encounter, which remained fiercely contested throughout.

Creamline initially gained the upper hand by winning the first two odd-numbered sets but faltered in the decisive fifth set.

“We really worked hard for this. It’s all about composure and confidence,” said PLDT defense specialist Kath Arado, who, along with Samoilenko, earned top honors for her 24-dig and nine-excellent reception performance.

Both teams faced significant challenges due to the absence of key players. Creamline played without Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, and Alyssa Valdez, while PLDT missed Fil-Am hitter Savi Davison and Kim Dy.

Despite this, Samoilenko’s leadership, combined with contributions from Ceballos and middle blocker Majoy Baron, who each added 11 hits, propelled PLDT to victory.

Kiesha Bedonia and Erika Santos chipped in with five points each, while Kim Fajardo and Mika Reyes added three markers apiece for PLDT.

On the other side, Creamline’s Erica May Staunton debuted impressively with 20 points. Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao added 18 and 16 points, respectively, with Pangs Panaga and Bea de Leon contributing a combined 15 points.

The High Speed Hitters maintained their composure in the final set, launching an early 6-2 run and staving off every Creamline comeback attempt. Their grace, composure, and firepower proved decisive, setting a strong tone for the rest of the conference. | PVL photo