Samoilenko stands tall, PLDT survives UA-Army

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT brought in Elena Samoilenko while looking for someone who can score at will.

Yesterday, the long-limbed, 6-5 Russian outside hitter did that – and more.

Unleashing a spectacular 35-point explosion, Samoilenko carried the High Speed Hitters to a nerve-wracking 17-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-11, 15-11 win over the United Auctioneers-Army Lady Troopers to set in motion their bid in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

It was the 27-year-old who saved the day for PLDT when it trailed 5-1 in the fifth and final set, unloading big kills while doing enough at the net to stave off repeated Army attacks on opening day.

PLDT coach George Pascua had all praises to the former import of Merson B. Sehir Bld in the Turkish League.

“It wasn’t that easy playing our first games especially for the imports. So I told her to just play her game and always ask for the ball,” said Pascua. “And we’re just thankful we managed to maximize it.”

Toni Rose Basas paced the locals with 11 points while Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata and Fiona Ceballos each chipped in 10.

UA-Army showed some fight as it rallied back from a big deficit in the third set to go two sets to one.

But PLDT got back with a vengeance in the next set where it just overpowered UA-Army.

The Lady Troopers though played inspired early in the last set and seized a 5-1 edge and looked headed to pull off a major upset against the PVL Invitational fourth-placers.

Samoilenko, however, took charge and saved the day.