PLDT High Speed Hitters in the AVC Champions League quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
PLDT’s AVC Women’s Champions League campaign was cut short by Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC on Thursday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The visitors were simply too much for the High Speed Hitters, who bowed out of the tournament after suffering a 25-13, 25-22, 25-20 wipeout at the hands of the Kazakhs.
LIVE: 2025 AVC Champions League quarterfinals – April 24
“I am very happy because we won today because I very respect the team of Philippines, we knew after the first set they will not just give up and we were ready for that,” Zhetysu coach Marko Gršić said.
“I’m very glad because my team was very good today especially in block and I think we deserve this win. I want to say congratulations to the team of the Philippines and also to my team,” he added.
Tatyana Nikitina powered the Kazakhs to the semifinals with 19 points from 14 attacks and four blocks as Karina Denisova helped with 15 points made up of 13 attacks and two blocks.
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Yuliya Dymar made her presence felt with 11 attack points for Zhetysu, which awaits the winner between Nakhon Ratchasima QminC and Creamline–who are playing as of posting.
Zhetysu VC in the AVC Champions League quarterfinals against PLDT High Speed Hitters. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Kazakhstan was simply too much with its smart plays and good placements that dazed the locals. The visiting squad also had a noticeably better floor defense.
After losing the opening frame, PLDT threatened to take the second set using a 5-0 run to take the lead, 21-20, but the Kazakhs regained control just in time for a 2-0 set lead.
The semifinalists surged to a 19-15 advantage the following frame with Kristina Anikonova’s attack before PLDT chipped that lead, 20-19.
However, the much taller Kazakhs nailed the match shut with a 4-0 run.
“Definitely, the game today was really tougher. You can also see the opponents having an average height of around six feet, it was really hard for us,” said coach Rald Ricafort.
“But that’s not an excuse—it’s just that we’re only now getting the kind of exposure we’re looking for. But in terms of what we gained, we learned a lot and we’re happy that we got to play here,” Ricafort added.
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Savi Davison top scored for PLDT with 13 points, all but one from attacks, import Wilma Salas contributed 11 points and Dell Palomata seven points.
