PLDT trips finalist Cignal to salvage semis campaign

The PLDT High Speed Hitters refused to leave the semifinals empty-handed, pulling off a stunning straight-sets victory over the finals-bound Cignal Super Spikers to conclude their All-Filipino Conference campaign at the Filoil EcoOil Centre yesterday.

Despite an early exit from title contention, the High Speed Hitters made sure to finish their semifinals run on a positive note with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 win, handing the Super Spikers their only loss in the round-robin tournament.

Savi Davidson provided the much-needed firepower for the PLDT squad, finishing the game with 21 points, 20 coming from attacks and one from a block.

The High Speed Hitters successfully established a 2-0 lead after surviving Cignal in a closely contested second set.

Riding on their momentum, PLDT wasted no time and built a five-point advantage, 20-15, late in the third frame.

But the Super Spikers came alive, erasing a four-point deficit to level the score at 23-all.

Coming off a huddle, Alleah Malaluan delivered a down-the-line hit to put the High Speed Hitters at match point, followed by a block from Mika Reyes to seal the deal.

Malaluan finished the game with 11 points, while Reyes, Kim Dy, and Majoy Baron chipped in seven markers apiece.

Jessa Ordiales, on the other hand, stepped up for the Super Spikers, finishing with a team-high 13 points.