PLDT's Kiesha Bedonia in action. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – PLDT opened its PVL on Tour campaign with a three-set win over Farm Fresh, 25-18, 25-21, 28-26, on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The High Speed Hitters erased a four-point deficit late in Set 3 against the Foxies, 19-23, and even reached match point off a 5-0 run.
But a gritty Farm Fresh side tried to put up a fight, pushing the game to the limit and even took the lead at 26-25 after an Alohi Robins-Hardy surprise drop hit.
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But Mika Reyes was there, stepping up with a crosscourt hit, followed by a Lorene Toring attack error, and a kill block from the middle blocker against Caitlin Viray to wrap the extended frame and the game after one hour and 37 minutes.
"Tine-take namin 'yung conference na 'to as a big challenge sa 'min, knowing na again, 'di na naman kami kumpleto," said coach Rald Ricafort after the game, referring to the absence of Fil-Canadian scoring machine Savi Davison.
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Kiesha Bedonia led the PLDT offensive with 14 points on 10 attacks, two aces and two blocks to go along with seven excellent receptions, while their clutch hero Reyes breaching twin-digit scoring with 10 points, including three blocks.
Captain Kath Arado held the fort on the other side, listing 20 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, as Angge Alcantara registered 20 excellent sets, enabling her spikers.
Meanwhile, Trisha Tubu paced the losing team with 14 markers, while Rizza Cruz added 10 for the Farm Fresh scoring.