PLDT still looking for answers to third-set woes
To open its PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign, PLDT had to overcome Nxled in four sets even after already taking a 2-0 advantage.
The High Speed Hitters almost had to overcome Galeries Tower in the same fashion before coming back to their senses, holding off their stubborn foe, 27-25, 25-22, 25-23, at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
And as can be expected, coach Rald Ricafort was not happy with the way his wards notched a second consecutive win.
“It wasn’t supposed to come to that point, where the opponent still came up with a big lead,” Ricafort said in Filipino. “We reminded [the players] what happened [during our game against] Nxled, that even if we were up 2-0, their complacency [showed].”
“They aren’t doing it on purpose but they’re relaxing too much [and] they are allowing runs [by the opponent]. We are happy to get the win but … we hope we can figure out [how to avoid being complacent] next time,” he added.
Once again, PLDT dominated the first two sets.
And once again, the High Speed Hitters left the door open for their foes.
Usual scorers
The Highrisers, in fact, attempted to force a fourth set after plunging PLDT into a 15-21 hole.
Ricafort’s wards, however, woke up in time to fire back with a 10-2 run to complete the drubbing.
The good thing is, PLDT already has an idea of what it needs to put serious work on this conference, where it hopes to put on a show of strength to prove it has moved on from a controversial loss to Akari in the last Reinforced Conference that booted them out of contention.
“We need to be faster in refocusing ourselves whenever we [face] those runs because [teams] are no longer pushovers; … every one is good and stronger,” Ricafort said. “What we [need to prepare] for is how to bounce back faster whenever we are having a difficult time individually.”
The usual scorers went to work for PLDT such as the returning Savi Davison, who had 28 points built on 26 attacks and two blocks. Erika Santos contributed 14 points on 12 attacks, a block and an ace.
Majoy Baron added six points, four from blocks. Captain Kath Arado caught 15 excellent digs while rookie Angelica Alcantara distributed 15 excellent sets.
So it’s clear that talent is not the problem.
“[W]e were dominating for the first two sets [and] we shouldn’t relax or get complacent so next time. Like what I reminded them earlier, being up 2-0 [doesn’t mean we can afford to have our] level … go down. It needs to be the same until the end [of the game],” Ricafort said.
PLDT will have another fledgling squad as its opponent when it next faces Capital1. The Solar Spikers, despite no longer having the services of Russian scoring machine Marina Tushova, have been showing signs that they are no longer pushovers behind veteran playmaker Iris Tolenada and No. 2 overall Rookie Draft pick Leila Cruz.
“Every game our opponents get tougher so even if Capital 1 no longer has Tushova, Tolenada is leading the team. Chery Tiggo is also fighting so we can’t let the level of our play go down. Every game, we should be learning and improving,” Ricafort said.
