The PLDT High Speed Hitters in the AVC Women's Champions League. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Quarterfinal-bound PLDT tried to come back but fell short against Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima, 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15, in the AVC Women's Champions League on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
They finished with a 1-1 win-loss card in Pool D.
The High Speed Hitters showed promise in their game against Nakhon — they even tied at 2-2 despite falling down to a 0-2 hole after shocking the Thais in Sets 3 and 4.
But they ultimately lost, as the Thais found the much-needed push from an 8-7 PLDT lead with an 8-1 finishing kick, highlighted by a momentum-changing center line fault capped by a match-clinching service ace from Saowapha Soosuk.
Despite falling short in the decider, coach Rald Ricafort was proud of their performance.
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"'Yun naman 'yung binanggit pre-game, basta ibuhos — regardless naman ng result, okay kami. 'Yun na nga, wala nang mas ha-high level pa na makakalaro ka ng champion team from Thailand. So, sa nilaro namin, proud naman kami sa naging performance," said Ricafort.
As always, Fil-Canadian spiker Savi Davison was spectacular, registering 28 points on 24 attacks, two blocks, and two services aces, while reinforcement Wilma Salas delivered 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks.
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Anyse Marlee Smith led the Thai crew with 20 points anchored on 17 attacks and three blocks.
PLDT will see action again on Thursday, April 24, against Creamline tormentor Zhetysu.
"'Yun nga, at least parang nakauna na kami ng isang hard game before dun sa alam namin talagang mas may hihirap pa. Pero, tine-take namin [as] challenge," said Ricafort.
"Pe-perform, lalaro lang ulit at trabaho lang ulit against Kazakhstan."
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