MANILA, Philippines — Kianna Dy steered PLDT past Choco Mucho, overcoming a rocky start with clutch plays and timely tweaks.
After dropping the first set, Dy sparked the High Speed Hitters to a 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 win over the Flying Titans in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The former De La Salle University stalwart mounted 17 points on 12 attacks and five huge blocks, backing up PLDT’s main gunner Savi Davison, who put up 19 markers to allow PLDT to be one win away from securing the top seed.
“I just do what I can to help the team, and whatever they want me to do. I am ready to take the role,” Dy told the media during the post-game presser.
“Yes (on matching up Choco Mucho’s attacks). In the first set, I could not respond to Sisi’s (Rondina) attacks. It’s too strong, and she flies too high. I really had to adjust, because if we did not adjust… We wouldn’t be able to get the result we wanted,” she added.
PLDT’s playmaker Kim Fajardo orchestrated 23 excellent sets in the match, allowing another two of her teammates to score in double digits as Majoy Baron made 13 points, while Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 10.
The Rald Ricafort-mentored squad also showed its proficiency in blocking after tallying 12 blocks, outscoring Choco Mucho, which only made six.
Rondina did everything she could to lift the Flying Titans after stuffing the statistical sheet with 23 points, 14 excellent receptions, and eight excellent digs.
Kat Tolentino scored 15 points for Choco Mucho, but it was not enough to keep her squad in the race for the Top 4 PVL teams, which will have an advantage in entering the semifinals.
PLDT now enjoys a 7-1 card and looks forward to beating title-contender Nxled in its next match to secure the top spot.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho (3-5) is relegated to the play-in round.