PLDT import Lena Samoilenko in action. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA (UPDATED) – The PLDT High Speed Hitters are off to a winning start in Pool A of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. 

The Rald Ricafort-coached squad, sans services of Savi Davison, snatched a 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12 shocker against an undermanned Creamline squad on the opening day of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. 

"Hard-fought win, sigurado na ‘yun. ‘Yun lang naman talaga ‘yung pinrepare namin, na maging mentally prepared nga sa ganitong laban. Alam naming mahirap talaga dahil kahit kulang naman ‘yung Creamline, sila-sila pa rin ‘yung core niyan. Definitely, a good win for us," Ricafort said during the postgame press conference. 

Russian import Lena Samoilenko took charge of the offense after tallying 34 points on 32 attacks and two aces, while Kath Arado was there to protect their side of the taraflex with 24 excellent digs.

Completing PLDT's setup was Kim Fajardo who made the plays after tallying 19 excellent sets.

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The Cool Smashers played without stars Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, while Jema Galanza's absence was expected due to her commitment to Alas Pilipinas.

Stepping up for Creamline were Bernadeth Pons (18 points) and Michele Gumabao (16 points), though their efforts went down the drain after the defeat. Meanwhile, their import, Erica Staunton, had 20 markers.

This marks the first time that Creamline lost a tournament opener in the PVL since 2019.

"Regardless nung timeline siguro, kung Creamline naman 'yung makukuhanan mo ng panalo, malaking bagay talaga 'yun pa lagi kasi alam mo naman sila 'yung laging nasa taas eh," said Ricafort.

Tied at 2-2 in set scores, the High Speed Hitters asserted themselves in the decider and did not allow their rivals to take the lead.

As the Cool Smashers closed in at 11-10, Samoilenko fired a sharp, down-the-line kill while Gumabao suffered an unforced error to give PLDT a 13-10 lead. 

Fajardo committed a service error, but their fiery import made up for it as they inched closer to victory, 14-11. 

Staunton scored her 20th point off a kill, to give her team a bit of hope at 14-12, but Fiola Ceballos ended the 2-hour, 40-minute battle with an off-the-block hit. 

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"At least kahit papaano, 'yung nabaon namin from last game last conference, mas 'yun yung pinaghugutan namin na kaya naman kung tatrabahuhin talaga plus the addition nga of Lena, so happy kami," Ricafort said. 

Earlier in the day, the Chameleons edged Galeries in a five-set marathon, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12, to open the second conference of the 2024 season. 

Chery Tiggo also got onboard in Pool A after a 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 sweep of Farm Fresh in the second match.