The PLDT High Speed Hitters bucked the absence of some key players to beat the Akari Power Chargers, 25-15, 25-19, and 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Dell Palomata dominated the net and scored 14 points, while Jovielyn Prado and Michelle Morente took care of the wings and finished with 13 and 11 hits, respectively, for the High Speed Hitters.
Honey Royce Tubino and Jessey de Leon added eight points each for the High Speed Hitters, which were without injured Mean Mendrez (knee) and Mika Reyes (shoulder).
Despite the straight-set win, High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort said there are still some areas of their game that need to be fixed heading into their remaining games in Pool A.
“We’re very happy we were able to start with a win,” said Ricafort. “But may mga aayusin pa, and we will prepare for this (Volleyball Nations League hosting) break.”
Tubino, a transferee from the Army Lady Troopers, said she did not have a hard time adjusting to her teammates at the High Speed Hitters despite joining them just recently.
“Sobrang excited to play at lahat naman (ng teammates) very supportive, kaya konting adjustment, konting gelling na lang,” said Tubino.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat unleashed a 9-hit game and finished with 10 points, while Trisha Genesis added nine markers for the debuting Power Chargers.
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