PLDT spikers shake off jitters, blast Highrisers

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT needed the opening set to expose Galeries Tower’s weakness then poured it on in a 25-22, 25-6, 25-9 victory yesterday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Fil-Canadian Savannah Davison and Jules Samonte presided over the carnage by firing 19 and 15 hits, respectively, as the High Speed Hitters joined the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels at the helm.

The High Speed Hitters were jittery at the start, though, and needed to pull off an escape act.

Waking up from a stupor, the High Speed Hitters then played an impeccable game the rest of the way, sending Galeries Tower to submission.

“Unforced errors, we tried to keep at a minimum from there forward, it’s like keeping control on our side and I think that’s what got us through,” said Davison.

“I think we kind of focused on our basics,” she added.

New acquisitions Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron had rough debuts while Kianna Dy remained out.

Fajardo had 11 sets and two points while Baron was good for just four hits.

“Marami pa dapat i-polish,” said Fajardo.

Davison stressed the need to plod on amid some rough start and injuries.

“I’m just excited to start with the people that we have, the additions,” she said.

Later, Choco Mucho launched its title campaign with a 25-12, 25-22, 25-18 win over Nxled.

Reigning MVP Sisi Rondina paced the Flying Titans with 18 points, including 17 on kills.