![Ces Molina (left) handled the scoring burden for PLDT. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/Sports565015-620x780.jpg)
Ces Molina (left) handled the scoring burden for PLDT.
—AUGUST DELA CRUZ
PLDT and Cignal continued to hum smoothly in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, dispatching their winless foes at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday.
Some had it easier than others.
PLDT immediately sent the team into overdrive, destroying Gerflor 25-8, 25-9, 25-17, sending him on his way to a four-match winning streak behind Jules Samonte, who collected 10 points on seven attacks and three aces. Rachel Austero also had 10, including three blocks.
“We kept the lesson we learned from our last game against Nxled, where we had a slow start,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said after his side’s fourth win in five games. “At least we got back today. We had a good serve, so that made our counterattack easier.”
Cignal found the going a little tougher in the other game, needing a strong performance from Ces Molina to survive a gritty Farm Fresh scoreline, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17.
Molina finished with 20 points, built on 18 attacks and two blocks, lifting the HD Spikers to a 3-2 (win-loss) record, while Foxies’ misery extended to an 11-match losing streak since joining the previous Invitational Conference added to the competition.
Without Daquis
“We are happy with the result, but we still have a lot to do. The good thing is that we overcame the challenges,” Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos said in Filipino. “We shall go on [the winning momentum] and work harder for the next games.” Cignal, still without Rachel Daquis, also found help from Marivic Meneses’ 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Vanie Gandler and Jovelyn Gonzaga also combined for 27 points to hold the Foxies scoreless.
“We’re not going to get complacent with the way we played today because we know we can do better,” Molina said. “We have to work harder and what we show is still lacking.
PLDT, which recorded a win against Nxled on Thursday, had a 13-5 attacking advantage in the second set alone, while also adding six aces.
PLDT allowed just 17 points in the first two sets before Gerflor tried to make it a game in the third and moved to 19-15.
But the High Speed Hitters regrouped and forced a tenth straight loss – also dating back to the last conference – down their defenders’ throats. INQ