PLDT cruised to a second consecutive win after dealing league-leading Chery Tiggo its first taste of defeat with a 25-13, 25-22, 27-25 sweep in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
PLDT, which opened its campaign with a loss to F2 Logistics, moved up to 2-1 while Chery Tiggo slipped to 3-1 after their three-game winning streak was snapped.
Mich Morente came alive late for the High Speed Hitters, nailing back-to-back attacks to bring PLDT to a 23-21 cushion in the third set before the Crossovers saved two match points to tie things up at 25 following an EJ Laure kill.
Veteran hitter Jovie Prado then went for an open attack before another hammer from her sealed the sweep victory for PLDT.
Four PLDT players reached double-digit scoring with Mean Mendrez leading the way with 14 points while middle blocker Dell Palomata and Prado each finished with 12 markers. Morente churned out 10 points.
Meanwhile, Akari finally broke through in the tournament after a string of losses as it thumped Army Black Mamba, 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, to improve to 1-3 while Army fell to 0-3.
Seasoned spiker Dindin Santiago-Manabat led the charge with 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace while Chiara Permentilla provided the lift with 13 markers, eight digs, and 10 receptions.