PLDT sends Galeries crumbling, sets up key duel vs Choco Mucho
It took four sets against an eliminated squad, but Savi Davison could finally look to the next match.
“I think coming off their win, they’re also motivated,” the PLDT star said, referring to her team’s next game. “I think we know that they are coming in strong, and this is also motivation for us to kind of work harder.”
Davison knows the High Speed Hitters will need a better performance than the one that carried them to a 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18 victory over Galeries Tower on Saturday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Saklab Series at Philsports Arena.
Davison had 21 points in that win, each of them important as PLDT bounced back from a five-set loss to Farm Fresh earlier this week.
PLDT improved to 4-3, tying Choco Mucho for fourth place heading into their showdown on Thursday—a match that will make or break either team’s semifinal aspirations.
But preparing for that much will mean looking at themselves first. The High Speed Hitters will deal with the Flying Titans once they are on the other side of the net.
“I think we really have to dive in on our side especially, and kind of work on the things that we need to work on,” Davison said. “[We can’t focus just] on their side, but how we can play to our full potential coming off this game.”
“[I]f we’re all on the same page, if we’re all ready to compete, I feel like we can give anyone a hard time. So, it’s really up to us and how our preparation goes this week, and hopefully we come prepared.”
PLDT libero Kath Arado, who finished with 22 digs, echoed Davison’s sentiments, noting that Choco Mucho poses threats beyond Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina-Rosales.
Choco Mucho flaunts a talent-rich roster that includes Jewel Encarnacion, Caitlin Viray and Deanna Wong in their five-set victory over Creamline.
“Choco Mucho has always been a tough opponent because every player on their team is capable and fearless. We know they’ll want to take this opportunity, especially since it’s their chance to move forward,” Arado said.
“But we can’t focus on individual matchups or think too much about who we’ll be facing. They have a deep lineup, and with this all-to-play format, we have to concentrate on what we can bring to the game.”
“We have to be prepared and make sure we’re in good condition, both mentally and physically, because this won’t be an easy match.”
Against Galeries Tower, Kim Fajardo distributed 18 excellent sets, while Kianna Dy and Dell Palomata added 10 points apiece. Jessa Ordiales provided a spark off the bench with eight points, including the match-clinching attack.
Galeries Tower fell to 1-6 despite Erika Deloria’s 13 points and 15 receptions. Jean Asis chipped in 11 points, while Jade Gentapa, who helped Galeries take the third set, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas contributed nine each.
