Height is might

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT relied on its 6-foot-4 import to overpower Galeries Tower, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17, yesterday and stay at the helm of the PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Russian Elena Samoilenko continued to be a beacon of light in her return for the High Speed Hitters, firing a team-high 14 points, 11 off kills and three off blocks, as they claimed their second win in a row.

Her brilliance came just a few days after unloading a 34-hit masterpiece in a 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12 victory over league dynasty Creamline in last Tuesday’s opener.

Interestingly, Samoilenko considered her effort as a “bad game.”

“Today (yesterday), for me, it was not a good game but we won,” she said after her team pushed the Highrisers to 0-2.

Earlier, Chery Tiggo rode on Kath Bell’s spectacular effort as it ripped Nxled, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23, to likewise claim its second straight victory.

And the 6-2 former University of Texas star, who owns two championships with Petron in the defunct Philippine Superliga, was at the center of it all, doing almost everything to help Chery Tiggo stay unscathed.

“She has the culture, work ethic, and professionalism. Very vocal siya, she has the character and traits ng isang leader inside and outside the court,” said Reyes of Bell.

Bell, however, was quick to deflect the praise to her teammates.

“The girls played amazing, every time someone came in, they played great,” she said.

Ara Galang, who dyed her hair red like her team’s color, shone the brightest among the locals as she scattered 11 hits.

“Nag-focus lang ako kung ano mako-contribute ko sa team,” said Galang.

It was the Chameleons’ first defeat after hurdling Galeries Tower, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12 Tuesday.