No dropped calls, but plenty of drop balls.
The match between the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference was rough on both squads, as they played with undermanned lineups due to various injuries.
But PLDT didn't miss a beat with setter Anj Legacion, as she tapped Savannah Davison, Dell Palomata, and Jules Samonte to overpower F2 Logistics, 25-21, 27-25, 25-23.
Legacion stepped up in the absence of star setter Rhea Dimaculangan, who sustained an injury in their five-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last week. With the way she starred for the High Speed Hitters, Legacion was understandably ecstatic after the win.
"Masaya dahil nanalo," she said after the match. "Pinaghandaan na kahit papano, kahit saglit na panahon lang, nag-gel kami."
Of course, it would be easy for Legacion to fill D-Mac's shoes. They had quite a record year in 2018 as part of champion squad Petron Blaze Spikers in the Philippine Super Liga.
Legacion orchestrated 18 excellent sets for PLDT while sneaking four points off three attacks and a block for herself.
"Para 'din sa team, kailangan ko mag-step up," Legacion said. "Kailangan ko makapag-contribute."
PLDT also played without Erika Santos.
The Cargo Movers also had a short hand, as they were without star spiker Kim Kianna Dy and absorbed another setback when Jolina dela Cruz suffered an injury in Set 2.
PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, meanwhile, said he just wants to finish the conference on a good note. They are now tied with the Petro Gazz Angels, their final opponent of the preliminaries, with an identical 6-4 records and 19 points.
They are still in the running for the last spot in the semifinals, with the Cignal HD Spikers currently in fourth place with a 7-3 record and 22 points.
PLDT and Petro Gazz will battle on Tuesday. Cignal will also see action on the same day against Gerflor.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
(PM)