By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PLDT opened its campaign with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 sweep of Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday, Oct. 13.
It was the first win for the reigning PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference champion in the conference, while extending their winning streak to 14 games, making a statement in their bid to build a dynasty in the league.
Fil-Canadian Savi Davison paced PLDT with her signature hard-hitting plays and fired 22 points while Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina also stepped up and chipped in 15 points.
The dynamic duo also took charge of the High Speed Hitters’ offense, combining for the teams 25 of 39 kills.
Bavykina admitted she was still adjusting in her first match with the team, but remained optimistic that she would deliver more in the coming games.
“It was a little difficult in my first game but I think we’ll be better,” she said.
Davison agreed, adding that the team is doing the best they could to jell together with Bavykina.
“I think the biggest thing we can do right now is support her. It’s her first game. She’s really good and she knows what to do so our team goes on,” she said.
“Nag-a-align naman siya sa team sa mga kulang namin. Hopefully with the chemistry, makapag-jell pa kami,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort added.
PLDT’s win denied top rookie pick Bella Belen of a victory in her official debut game for Capital1.
Belen, who scored 20 points in their nullified game against Choco Mucho a few days ago, scored 13 points but her efforts were not enough.
Oleksandra Bytsenko also shone with 20 points for the Solar Spikers in a losing effort.
