PLDT Home Fibr stuns F2 in five sets

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Home Fibr pulled off a stunning 25-21, 26-28, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11 victory over erstwhile unbeatable F2 Logistics yesterday in the penultimate playing day of the PSL All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Corpus Christi Gym in Cagayan De Oro City.

Jerrili Malabanan and star hitter Gretchcel Soltones chipped in 21 points apiece to form a 1-2 punch for the Power Hitters who clawed back from a 1-2 deficit to shock F2 Logistics, which took its second straight loss after an 11-0 start.

Soltones also came up with 24 digs and 19 excellent receptions while Aiko Urdas contributed 10 markers. Jasmine Nabor provided 21 excellent sets in PLDT’s massive win over the Cargo Movers in front a frenetic CDO home crowd.

“I’m happy for my team. Everybody played really well especially Jerrili who played great in the fifth set,” said head coach Roger Gorayeb as his wards clinched their second straight win to wrap up the double-round prelims at sixth spot with 6-8 slate.

The win, however, did not come easy for the Power Hitters as they had their momentum halted midway through the third set when league officials called off the game due to extreme heat.

Air conditioners inside the venue started to malfunction as early as the second set, adding to the players’ exhaustion. League officials were forced to momentarily interrupt the match in the third set when PLDT was trailing, 7-8.

The match was delayed for an hour as the hosts repaired the air-conditioners.

F2, which lost to Petron last Thursday, slipped to 11-2 despite the all-around play of Fil-Am sensation Kalei Mau with 28 markers, 19 digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Ara Galang (19) and Majoy Baron (18) also put up solid numbers in a losing cause for the Cargo Movers who have secured the No. 2 spot regardless of the results of remaining games.