US duo keys PLDT-MyDSL win vs TMS

Games Saturday (Ynares Arena, Pasig)

2 p.m. – Cignal vs RC Cola (w)

4 p.m. – Petron vs TMS PH Army (w)

6 p.m. – Systema vs Giligan’s (m)

MANILA, Philippines - The US pair of Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes put up another dazzling show to the cheers of the crowd as they powered PLDT-MyDSL to a 25-13, 25-20, 25-22 victory over pre-season favorite TMS-Philippine Army in the PSL Grand Prix volleyball at the Ynares Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Manns gave her fans a glimpse of her game that has brought her to Europe as she came through with her loops and crosscourt set-ups while Noyes imposed her will upfront to dominate the Lady Troopers net defenders.

It was the Lady Boosters’ second straight win to seize the solo lead in women’s play while dropping the Lady Troopers to 2-1.

“We are happy because they are the strongest team in the league in my opinion,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb. “But I was surprised we beat them by a large margin because this team (Army) has been playing together for many years.”

“I told the girls to adjust to (Manns) because what she’s trying to do is good, we were so used to just having high set up,” said Gorayeb of the American’s world-class play.

Manns finished with 40 excellent sets and had eight points, while Noyes scored 13 points, 10 of them through easy slams by the net.

They also set up spiker Sue Roces to score a game-high 14 points.

Lou Ann Latigay had six markers, while Charo Soriano chipped in five for the Lady Boosters who needed just one hour and nine minutes to complete the straight-set romp.

The Lady Troopers were far off their form that gave them two earlier wins, leaning heavily on Jovelyn Gonzaga to do the dirty work but to no avail.

Gonzaga scored 10 points but Thai gunner Wanitchaya Luangtonglang failed to produce the game expected of her, so did Japanese libero Yuki Murakoshi.