PLDT clinches PSL semis slot

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT-MyDSL recovered from a third-set setback and outlasted Cagayan Valley in the fourth to hack out a 25-16, 25-17, 22-25, 26-24 victory yesterday and clinch the first semifinal berth in the women’s division of the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) Volleyball Grand Prix at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

The Speed Boosters, out to atone for their abbreviated stint in the league’s maiden conference, banked anew on American import Savannah Noyes, who combined with local ace Suzanne Roces in blasting the Lady Rising Suns’ defense en route to notching their fifth straight win for a sweep of the elims.

Noyes pumped in 23 hits, including 20 kills, while Roces chipped in 15 points for PLDT-MyDSL, which thus joined second seed and Invitational tournament winner TMS-Philippine Army in the semis.

The Lady Rising Suns, Cignal, Petron and RC Cola, meanwhile, will figure in a pair of do-or-die quarterfinal clashes with the winners advancing in the tournament organized by Sports Core and recognized by the International Volleyball Federation with Mikasa, Asics, LGR and Jinling Sports as main backers and Solar Sports as broadcast partner.

The quarterfinal round starts on Wednesday while the semis is set on Saturday, also at the same venue.

“More than anything else, this win was a big boost to our mindset heading to the semis,” said PLDT-MyDSL coach Roger Gorayeb.