PLDT obtains 2019 PSL Grand Prix bronze after five-set game against Cignal

“[This finish] feels awesome especially it took our whole team to win the match and that’s exactly what we were kind of pushing for the whole season.” – Kendra Dahlke (Photo: Philippine Superliga/Facebook)

Imports Grace Lazard and Kendra Dahlke fought hard for the Power Hitters. Lazard totalling 17 kills, three blocks, and two aces for 22 points, while Dahlke scored a total of 27. They were aided by the Filipino players, like Aiko Urdas who had a total of 14 points and Grethcel Soltones who scored 12 points with 22 digs and 13 excellent receptions. Jasmine Nabor, the team’s setter, had a total of 28 excellent sets with 16 digs.

For Cignal, it was import Erica Wilson who scored the most at 33, also contributing 27 kills, four blocks, and two aces. Ana Artemeva chipped 17 points, Mylene Paat added 11, while Rachel Anne Daquis had nine hits with 15 digs and 10 excellent receptions. Their team settled for a fourth-place finish.

After being awarded with their bronze medal, PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb expressed his delight on his team’s improvement from the sixth place during the first conference, explaining in Filipino, “I’m happy not only for them but also for the company we are representing.” He elaborated, “It’s because we just joined this league. It’s our second conference and we’re coming from sixth place. Now, our standing is great. Yes, we’re third place, but that’s a great way to finish for the players.” Referring to redeeming themselves from getting swept by F2 Logistics in the best-of-three semifinals last week, Coach Roger added, “I guess that’s how it’s supposed to be. It means the finals is not for us. I’m okay with that.”

Dahlke gave her thoughts to the media after the game, telling them, “[This finish] feels awesome especially it took our whole team to win the match and that’s exactly what we were kind of pushing for the whole season. Technically we had our ups and downs but we pulled it together.”