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PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. – PVL PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines – PLDT leaned on the pair of Mich Morente and Mean Mendrez to defeat Petro Gazz, 21-25, 31-29, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13, to extend their winning streak to three matches. show the lead of the 2023 All-Filipino Premier Volleyball League on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
After the High Speed Hitters failed to close out the game in the fourth set, both teams battled with determination until Morente hit the game-winning cross-court kill to lift PLDT to the league lead with Creamline, F2 Logistics. , and Chery Tiggo drew 3-1.
PLDT trailed by one in the fifth, 9-10, but managed to score three straight points, fueled by a Mika Reyes run and a Jovielyn Prado spike from the block, to take a 12-10 lead.
However, Mendrez’s serve went out. Jonah Sabete leveled the game, but the next attack was too much, followed by Remy Palma speeding up a broken play to make it a seventh set.
Dell Palomata saw an opening, hitting a floater to reach match point, 14-13, before Morente made the final touch.
Morente and Mendrez lead the High Speed Hitters with 21 points each with the former having 15 digs, while libero Kath Arado is everywhere with 40 digs and 20 excellent receptions.
Morente, who can build on his good form from last Tuesday’s straight away win over Chery Tiggo, admitted Petro Gazz’s net defense was frustrated as he made 14 blocks to kill five.
But he relies on the confidence of his teammates, especially when it comes to preparing for a winning attack.
“Honestly, the first part of the game was frustrating because of the blocks. I just kept my mind that I can do it,” Morente said in Filipino. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my teammates especially in the last set [play] from Cath. This is very important to me because he believes that I can score.
Prado chipped in with 15 points and 13 receptions, while Palomata added 12 markers to end Petro Gazz’s two-game winning streak.
“It’s not about the streak. What we want is to improve every game. Like I said before, if we can’t win right away, we have to persevere and show character because we play again in the fifth set,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said in Filipino.
MJ Phillips’ game-high 24 points, highlighted by six blocks, was devastating as his first full game from a shoulder injury ended with a loss.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also delivered for the Angels with 19 points and 16 digs, while the Soltones had 17 points and 16 digs as they slid to a 2-2 record tied by Choco Mucho.
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