PLDT bucked a slow start and a shaky third set before sweeping Philippine Army, 25-19, 25-12, 25-21, to get into the win column of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The High Speed Hitters turned to Mean Mendrez on offense as she fired 11 points off nine attacks and two kill blocks.
Jovie Prado and Dell Palomata added nine markers each for PLDT’s rebound win following a stinging five-set loss to F2 Logistics in their season debut two weeks ago.
Libero Kath Arado also provided stability on defense, tallying 33 digs and 14 excellent receptions while Michelle Morente got eight markers for the High Speed Hitters.
However, PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort felt his team could do better, especially after a sluggish start where his wards needed to play catchup until midway in the opening set.
“We’re still lacking. It’s not the performance that we wanted,” he said. “Our goal is to improve every game. We’re happy we got our first win but we still have a lot to work on.”
The High Speed Hitters got a late scare in the third frame when the Lady Troopers made a run to cut a 13-18 deficit to 17-18. PLDT countered with a 5-2 run for more breathing room, 23-19.
Royse Tubino kept Army within striking distance, 23-21, before Prado pounded a hit to push PLDT at match point. Rhea Dimaculangan, who dished out 18 excellent sets, ended the one-hour, 35-minute encounter with a service winner.
Tubino had eight markers to lead Army, which remained winless in two games and absorbed its 15th straight defeat since its last elimination round game in the 2022 Invitational Conference.
