Savi Davison and the PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game against Akari Chargers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
PLDT dominated Akari, 25-22, 25-16, 25-15, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at PhilSports Enviornment in Pasig Metropolis.
Savi Davison showed off her ordinary power on offense with 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks while Majoy Baron helped with 11 points, all off kills as the Excessive Pace Hitters snapped a two-game skid to end last year and improve to a 4-2 standing.
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“Happy with the result. We really wanted to play today and we are happy with our performance,” said coach Rald Ricafort.
CALENDAR: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025
Erika Santos also scored 11 points while Ange Alcántara dished out 12 excellent units in what was expected to be a back-and-forth matchup due to the Chargers’ controversial semifinal victory in the Enhanced Conference last year.
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“All I wanted to do was help the team. Everything I could give in any way possible, I know it was tough for us to top last year, but coming back strong and beating them in three really meant a lot to us,” Davison said.
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Majoy Baron of PLDT Excessive Pace Hitters during a PVL All-Filipino Conference match against Akari Chargers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
Akari didn’t put up much of a fight for PLDT, who built a 2-0 lead and in the third frame reached 12-6 with a service error by Ivy Lacsina, who only contributed six quiet points.
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The Chargers were also missing the services of Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo, but had defensive ace Justine Jazareno returning after her pregnancy.
Resumption of the All-Filipino PVL: what happened and what to expect
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There was no stopping PLDT as they continued to pound Akari to a 21-9 lead thanks to an off-block attack from Santos. Akari tried to come back, but the high-speed hitters already smelled blood when a tip from Baron secured the victory.
“Personally, I enjoyed it because I was excited because it was the first game of the year. The break was long, so we were more excited and better prepared,” Baron said. “I don’t dwell on what happened last year because the composition of the team is different now.”
“We’re just focused on the task and we treat every game the same, keeping our emotions level because we really want to stay focused and do our job on the court,” he added.
Religion Nisperos was the only Charger to reach double figures with 11 points as Akari lost its fourth game in seven games.
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PLDT’s mettle will be tested once again against Choco Mucho next when Akari battles winless sister team Nxled in the previous matchup, both on Thursday at the same venue in Pasig Metropolis.
