PLDT dialed in a staggering five-set comeback over no less than Creamline, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, to cap the opening day of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Returning resident import Lena Samoilenko dropped 34 huge points built on 32 attacks and two aces as team captain Kath Arado posted 24 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions in the opening day shocker.
“Definitely, a good win for us," Samoilenko said as she scored four of PLDT's final six points in the fifth-set tiebreak.
“I didn’t think I’d score (34) points. Now, I feel a little bit tired but it’s okay."
A late third-frame misstep fueled the High Speed Hitters’ unassailable run in the last two sets which held the Cool Smashers — sans Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos — at bay.
In the end, it was the coaching tandem of Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog which dealt Creamline its first conference-opening loss since the 2019 Reinforced Conference against Petro Gazz — once led by the now-PLDT coaching duo.
“Hard-fought win, sigurado na ‘yun. ‘Yun lang naman talaga ‘yung pinrepare namin, na maging mentally prepared nga sa ganitong laban. Alam naming mahirap talaga dahil kahit kulang naman ‘yung Creamline, sila-sila pa rin ‘yung core niyan,” said Ricafort.
Majoy Baron and Fiola Ceballos connived for 11 points each to complete a stellar scoring night aided by Kim Fajardo’s 19 excellent sets.
Even with a sudden lack of starpower, Creamline still had enough firepower through the steady 20-point, 10-reception PVL debut for Erica Staunton, Bernadeth Pons’ 18-piece and acting team captain Michele Gumabao’s 16.
But tonight, it just wasn’t enough for the win.
