LOUD AND CLEAR

High Speed Hitters gain share of PVL lead

PLDT cruised past winless Nxled, 25-17, 25-23, 25-22, for its second straight win and a share of the early lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Filipino-Canadian Savi Davison anchored the High Speed Hitters’ brilliant performance to keep their perfect record intact after two games to join idle Chery Tiggo on top.

“Happy that we’re able to sustain the momentum from last game but we still have a lot to address,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said.

The one-hour, 37-minute victory primed the High Speed Hitters for a bigger challenge against title contender Petro Gazz on Saturday.

“From here on we’re going up against experienced and powerhouse teams, so we have to prepare well,” Ricafort said.

Davison led two other players in double-figure scoring with 13 points — all from kills — spiked with 10 digs and 10 excellent receptions for PLDT, which is still playing sans injured Kim Kianna Dy and Del Palomata who has yet to get her clearance from the Philippine Air Force.

Jessey De Leon added 11 points while Majoy Baron finished with 10 points for the High Speed Hitters. PLDT setter Kim Fajardo dished out 19 excellent sets while top libero Kath Arado tallied 29 digs and 12 excellent receptions.

The High Speed Hitters were able to control the opening set but had to slug it out in the next two with the Chameleons threatening to extend the match.

PLDT ignited a huge 7-1 counterattack in the third set as it turned the tables around for a 12-9 advantage after an early 5-8 deficit.

Nxled tried to close the gap, 23-20, and even saved two match points before Camille Victoria committed the Chameleons’ last of 19 errors with an overcooked hit. Nxled challenged the play for a block touch but was unsuccessful after the review.

Ivy Lacsina paced the Chameleons with 12 points while Victoria and Krich Macaslang scored seven each as Nxled remained winless in two outings.