Guest squad Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam. PVL Images
Ho Chi Minh unleashed its best showing by far, stunning defending champion PLDT, 28-26, 19-25, 25-21, 25-16, in the PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After previously absorbing losses at the hands of Farm Fresh and Creamline, the Vietnamese guest squad finally get things going, at the expense of none other than the title-retention bidders.
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“We’re happy but very surprised with the unity of the team, leading to a win today,” said Ho Chi Minh captain Thi Kim Thanh Dang, who was at the forefront of Ho Chi Minh’s attack, firing 19 points.
Contributing as well was Thi Bich Diep Ho, who had 18 points, while Thi My Xuyen Le and Thi Nhung Dao, who chipped in 14 apiece.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the net, Kianna Dy had a game-high 25 points—her best performance by far in this year’s Invitationals—but it went for naught.
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Savi Davison also had 16 points, but PLDT still dropped to an unfortunate 1-2 slate after two straight losses.
In today’s first of the triple-header, Creamline claimed another victim, but it came in a five-set marathon.
The Cool Smashers were challenged by Farm Fresh in a match that went to the limit, 25-18, 24-26, 25-22, 23-25, 15-4, earlier in the day.
With the win, the league’s winningest squad has inched closer to yet another final appearance.