MANILA, Philippines — PLDT sealed an expected semifinal showdown with Petro Gazz and paved the way for the Creamline-F2 Logistics clash following a 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-16 victory over Choco Mucho yesterday in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
But the High Speed Hitters needed to endure the Flying Titans’ tough stand before pounding out the four-set win for the needed tiebreak points (3) to clinch the No. 3 seeding after they finished tied for second with the Angels and the Cargo Movers at 6-2 at the close of the single round elims.
Titlist Creamline lorded it over the nine-team field with a 7-1 card with Petro Gazz nailing the second seeding as early as last Tuesday with 19 tiebreak points. PLDT took the No. 3 spot with 18 and F2 Logistics settled for fourth with 16.
With the Flying Titans in game-mode despite being out of the semis race, the High Speed Hitters worked hard for every point to carry out their mission with Mean Mendrez leading another strong PLDT windup with 21 points.
“We needed to finish strong, kasi ito yung magiging basehan sa semis. We have to gain the confidence we need for the next round,” said Mendrez, who also drew solid backup from four others who finished with double-digit outputs.
“But we must work harder and try to keep our composure,” added Mendrez, referring to their keenly awaited clash with the Angels at the start of the best-of-three semis tomorrow, also at the Pasig arena.
Mika Reyes shone in the middle with 18 points while Dell Palomata and Jovie Prado fired 12 hits apiece.