PLDT blanks Vietnamese guest team Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in PVL semifinal clash

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The PLDT High-Speed Hitters kept their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference grand finals appearance hopes alive after dismantling the foreign guest team Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in straight sets, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, last July 24, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Fresh off a momentum-boosting sweep of the powerhouse F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in their last game, the High-Speed Hitters sustained their fine play against Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh and recorded its second-straight sweeping victory.

After a back-and-forth affair during the first set, PLDT started to snowball their way in the second period after a series of offensive spurts from their veteran outside spikers.

Royse Tubino once again spearheaded the PLDT scoring rally and dropped 12 points built from 11 successful attacks and a block.

With Tubino taking charge to bring the much-needed spark midway through the second set, the High-Speed Hitters just went off to the races and pummeled the foreign guest team with their varied offensive schemes.

Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh attempted to steal the third set and force another frame to stay alive after finally gaining their offensive rhythm but crucial floor saves from Kath Arado saved the day for PLDT.

Arado anchored PLDT’s floor coverage to perfection after tallying a total of 21 excellent digs to go along with 16 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, former PHL national team setter Rhea Dimaculangan orchestrated her team’s flow of attack and finished with 23 excellent sets.

“Happy sa game, nagawa naman yung pinagplanuhan, tapos happy rin doon sa mga nagstep up na players off the bench,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.

The High-Speed Hitters will be looking for its third-straight PVL round-robin semifinal win on July 27, 2023, as they face the Kurashiki Ablaze team of Japan.