Elena Samoilenko delivered timely hits in the fifth set as the PLDT High Speed Hitters prevailed over the Creamline Cool Smashers, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Russian reinforcement finished with 34 points, built on 32 attacks and two service aces, on her second tour of duty in the PVL as the High Speed Hitters kicked off their campaign on a winning note.
After surviving a tough fourth set, the High Speed Hitters surged to a 7-3 start in the fifth set behind conversions from Samoilenko and Mika Reyes, but the Cool Smashers responded with their own run to cut the deficit to 7-8.
Mary Joy Baron and Samoilenko drilled consecutive attacks as PLDT established an 11-8 advantage, but Creamline answered back with their attacks to keep the match close at 11-13.
Samoilenko sent the High Speed Hitters to match point with an off-the-block hit, but the Cool Smashers got an attack from Erika Staunton to cut the deficit to 12-14 before Fiola Ceballos finished the game for PLDT with a powerful hit.
“Siguro ‘yung kumpiyansa lang namin kasi itong first game na ito pinaghirapan talaga namin eh, tsaka talagang gusto naming manalo, gusto naming ibigay ‘yung panalo sa mga coaches na tutok talaga sa amin,” said PLDT captain Kath Arado.
“Composure namin as a team, kasi alam namin na beteranong team ‘yung kalaban namin, so hindi na lang namin inisip kung sino ‘yung kalaban namin, ginawa lang namin ‘yung work namin as an individual and as a team,” she added.
The Cool Smashers were shorthanded as Alyssa Valdez and Diana Carlos were out due to minor injuries, while Jessica Galanza did not suit up due to her Alas Pilipinas commitment.
The post Elena Samoilenko delivers as PLDT outduels shorthanded Creamline first appeared on Fastbreak.
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