Elena Samoilenko and the PLDT High Speed Hitters hurdle their first task within the PVL Reinforced Conference against Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Within the battle of depleted teams, PLDT prevailed as Russian spiker Elena Samoilenko stood the tallest with 34 points to stun Creamline, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12, within the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena.
Samoilenko, a returning import, poured in 32 kills and two aces to go along with a gradual floor defense of 14 excellent receptions and 13 digs to lift the High Speed Hitters to a winning Pool A debut despite missing top scorer Savi Davison, who’s out within the midseason tournament resulting from a knee injury.
The 6-foot-4 hitter scored 4 consecutive points to place PLDT at match point, 14-11, before Erica Staunton saved some extent for Creamline. Fiola Ceballos delivered the off-the-block kill to finish the two-hour and 40-minute match.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
“Every game I would like to win and I would like to be higher and [help] my team,” said Samoilenko. “This season, I feel it’s a a lot better staff, higher team.”
Ceballos and Majoy Baron also stepped up with 11 points each with setter Kim Fajardo delivering 19 excellent sets on top of three points. Libero Kath Arado had 24 digs.
Creamline lost a gap game for the primary time in five years for the reason that 2019 Reinforced Conference, where it fell to eventual champion Petro Gazz handled then by PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and his assistant Arnold Laniog.
“It was a hard-fought win, needless to say. That’s what we actually prepared for, to be mentally ready for this sort of match. We knew it will be tough because although Creamline was missing some players, their core team was still there. Definitely, it was a very good win for us.”said Ricafort.
“Whatever the timeline, for those who can get a win against Creamline, it’s at all times a giant deal because you understand they’re at all times at the highest.”
Creamline Cool Smashers played the PVL Reinforced Conference without their key players Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Ricafort was grateful for Samoilenko’s arrival which played an enormous role within the team’s adjustment from playing without Davison, Rhea Dimaculangan, and Alas Pilipinas player Dell Palomata.
READ: PVL: Creamline, PLDT missing key players to start out Reinforced tilt
“Lena got here in early, just in time for our one-month preparation, in order that was a giant help for us. Plus, our core players are still here. It’s good that Fiola stepped up towards the top. We were prepared for our core to be like this because we also expected Savi to affix late,” he said.
“The players off the bench should be ready at any time when they’re called. It’s great that Kiesha Bedonia performed well.”
PLDT eyes its second win in Pool A against Galeries Tower on Saturday.
The Cool Smashers missed the services of Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos in addition to Alas Pilipinas player Jema Galanza, who will fly to Japan on Wednesday.
Erica Staunton’s 20-point debut, which included two blocks and two aces, was spoiled as Creamline lost its first Pool A game. Bernadeth Pons stepped up with 18 points, while Michele Gumabao added 16 points.
The Cool Smashers, who gave up 32 errors, seek to bounce back against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Saturday.
