PLDT kicks off PVL Invitational semis with sweep of Army

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The PLDT High-Speed Hitters began their 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals campaign with a rousing victory over the Army-Black Mamba, 25-22, 25-18, 25-21.

PLDT was all guns blazing against the veteran-filled Black Mamba squad and carried its much-needed momentum from their huge win against the Cignal HD Spikers during their last match.

Mika Reyes stepped up once again for the High-Speed Hitters and put up a terrific performance after dropping 15 points built from 16 successful attacks and a block.

Aside from the former national team middle blocker’s effort, the High-Speed Hitters banked on their efficient and balanced attack to fend off the Black Mamba.

Rhea Dimaculangan was in her zone during the highly-anticipated duel and orchestrated the PLDT offense flawlessly with 24 excellent sets in just three sets.

Army had a good run during the opening period as Jovelyn “The Bionic Ilongga” went to work early in the match and outsmarted the PLDT middle blockers with her crafty offensive game.

However, timely hits from Reyes and Fiola Ceballos propelled the High-Speed Hitters to a clutch run in the last four possessions.

The High-Speed Hitters continued its high-octane brand of attack in the next two sets and never gave Army a chance to recover with unforced errors also haunting them the whole game that rewarded easy points for PLDT.

Dell Palomata was also sensational for the High-Speed Hitters and contributed 12 points during the win.

Meanwhile, Army got 10 points from Royse Tubino, just six points and 12 excellent digs from Gonzaga, and seven points from Nene Bautista.

With the win, the High-Speed Hitters will now advance to the knockout final stage against the top-seeded Creamline Cool Smashers today, at 5:30 PM.