By ADRIAN STEWART CO

PLDT High Speed Hitters pulled off a stunning 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-27, 15-12 triumph against Chery Tiggo Crossovers to clinch the last semifinals seat in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, July 18.

Mean Mendrez was hailed as the Player of the Game with 16 points, on 13 attacks and three blocks, while also delivering the crucial points for the High Speed Hitters in the fifth set.

“Sobrang importante ng game na ito kasi nakapasok kami sa semis. Masaya kasi lahat ng pinaghirapan namin ay nagbunga sa game na ito,” the former University of the East Lady Warriors hitter said.

Aklanon Dell Palomata also made her presence felt for the High Speed Hitters with 14 points, while Michelle Morente and Ilongga Fiola Ceballos ended with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Down 8-10 midway in the deciding set, the High Speed Hitters got an error from the Crossovers and back-to-back conversions from Honey Royce Tubino and Mendrez for an 11-all score.

The High Speed Hitters went on to score two more points courtesy of Mendrez and Palomata for a 13-11 lead. The Crossovers pulled one back at 12-13, but an attack each from Palomata and Mendrez completed the win.

Mylene Paat finished with 29 points, while Pauline Gaston and Imee Hernandez added 16 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Crossovers bowed out of playoff contention with the loss.

For its part, Cignal HD Spikers also secured a semifinals seat following a 25-15, 25-21, 25-21 straight set, beating Choco Mucho Flying Titans, which was relegated to the consolation round with the loss.

Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga led the way with 13 points, including 10 attacks, while Rachel Anne Daquis and Frances Xinia Molina added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the HD Spikers.

The High Speed Hitters and the HD Spikers joined defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers, F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, and foreign guest teams Kurashiki Ablaze and Kinh Bac Bac Ninh in the semis./ASC, WDJ