PLDT, Creamline reach quarterfinals with 1-1 slates

MANILA, Philippines — After dropping the first two sets, PLDT came back strong and dragged Nakhon Ratchasima of Thailand to a fifth set before dropping a 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15 decision in the AVC Women’s Champions League yesterday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The High Speed Hitters even led in the decisive set, 8-7, before the Thais unleashed a stronger finishing kick to survive and earn the top seeding in Pool D heading to the quarterfinals.

PLDT, which defeated Australia’s Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, last Sunday, managed to advance to the next round with an even 1-1 slate. Up next for the local team is Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan.

 Earlier, Zhetysu VC scored a huge followup to its straight-set win over Creamline last Monday to score a lopsided 25-10, 25-15, 25-11 win over Al Naser to top Pool A.

The Kazakhstan champions were in control from start to finish as they capped pool play with an unblemished record heading into the quarterfinals.

The win enabled Creamline to clinch the second quarterfinal berth in Pool A with a 1-1 slate after beating Al Naser in Sunday’s opener of the tournament backed by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport as official federation partners.