NorthPort refuses to fold, forces Game 5 with win over Ginebra
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PLDT continues hot streak, grabs No. 4 spot in PVL quarterfinals
PLDT secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after overcoming ZUS Coffee in a hard-fought match, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24, on Tuesday night, March 4, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Head coach Rald Ricafort acknowledged the challenge posed by ZUS Coffee, led by coach Jerry Yee, stating that their opponents surprised them in the opening set.
However, he was pleased with his team’s ability to recover and execute well, especially in the crucial moments of the fourth set.
PHOTO COURTESY: PVL MEDIA BUREAU
"Credits to ZUS, to their coach Jerry (Yee). They really showed a different match up in the other round, we were really surprised in the first (set) but at least we recovered, we were able to perform the end game in the fourth set. That's what's important," coach Rald said.
Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with a career-best 34 points, along with 11 excellent receptions, helping the team bounce back from a sluggish start.
Erika Santos contributed 13 markers, while Kath Arado and Fiola Ceballos played key roles on defense with 16 and 11 excellent digs, respectively.
Kim Fajardo also stepped up, recording 15 excellent sets in place of Angge Alcantara, who was sidelined early in the match.
The fourth set was a tightly contested battle, with ZUS Coffee fighting to extend the match and PLDT aiming to close it out. After a series of intense rallies, PLDT held firm in the closing moments, with Davison, Santos, and Ceballos delivering crucial points to secure the win.
For ZUS Coffee, Chai Troncoso led the way with 20 points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga added 11 markers and 10 excellent digs. Cloanne Mondoñedo also chipped in 18 excellent sets.
The Thunderbelles now shift their focus to a quick turnaround as they prepare to face Cignal in their next match.
