Kendra Dahlke unleashed her power and towed PLDT Home Fibr to a thrilling 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 13-25, 15-12 victory over Generika-Ayala in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The hard-hitting Dahlke, a former Arizona State star, provided the offensive muscle down the stretch as the Power Hitters opened the second round on a sizzling note.
Dahlke delivered 27 kills, two blocks and an ace to finish with a conference-best 30 points on top of 16 digs for the Power Hitters, who returned to winning column after finishing the first round with three wins in seven games.
PLDT Head Coach Roger Gorayeb couldn’t help but praise the impressive performance of his ward, especially in the heart-stopping third set where they gamely matched the firepower and defensive intensity of the Lifesavers.
After carrying the cudgels in the third set where the Power Hitters clawed back from a 17-23 deficit for a 27-26 edge, Dahlke poured six points in the deciding fifth set to essay the victory. “Kendra was tremendous, especially in the third set. Her offense was truly a big help for us,” said Gorayeb after plucking their fourth win. “It’s what we need from her. ‘Good thing she played well today. I think this is her best game so far.”
PLDT’s other import, Grace Lazard, also sparkled with 18 points with 10 excellent receptions, while Aiko Urdas and Shola Alvarez chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Setter Jasmine Nabor dished out 28 excellent sets while libero Lizlee Pantone protected the floor with 27 digs and 16 excellent receptions.
Thai import Kanjana Kuthaisong had 27 points, including 16 excellent receptions, and Fiola Ceballos and Kseniya Kocyigit added 18 and 17 points, respectively, for the Lifesavers, who absorbed their seventh loss in eight matches.
Bia General was also impressive with 43 digs and 15 excellent receptions for the losers.