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Tag: PLDT High Speed Hitters

  • Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    Leila Cruz joins PLDT after two seasons with Capital1

    The PLDT High Speed Hitters have added another promising piece to their roster as they continue to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, signing opposite spiker Leila Cruz from the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    PLDT officially announced Cruz’s arrival on Wednesday, August 12, through its social media platforms, welcoming the former second overall pick as the team looks to build on its championship success from last season.

     

    “Aim just got sharper. You can never be late to your own time to shine. Opposite hitter Leila Cruz joins the High Speed Hitters starting in the 2026-27 PVL season. We are excited to see you at your best on the taraflex court! You got this and we got you,” PLDT said in its announcement.

     

     

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    Cruz joins a PLDT squad that is coming off its breakthrough campaign in the PVL. The High Speed Hitters captured their first league championship last year after ruling the Invitational Conference, giving the team added confidence heading into the new season.

     

    The 26-year-old Cruz was selected by Capital1 with the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft two years ago. Despite her considerable potential, however, injuries hampered her progress during her two seasons with the Solar Spikers and prevented her from establishing herself as a consistent starter.

     

    Her move to PLDT now provides Cruz with a fresh opportunity to revive her career and showcase the talent that made her one of the most highly regarded prospects in her draft class.

     

    Cruz also faced increased competition for playing time at Capital1 following the arrival of Erika Santos, who quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier opposite spikers. With Santos occupying a prominent role in the Solar Spikers’ rotation, Cruz found her opportunities on the wing increasingly limited.

     

    A change of scenery could therefore be exactly what Cruz needs as she looks to regain her rhythm, confidence, and consistency.

    At PLDT, Cruz will also reunite with several familiar faces from her UAAP days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. She will once again share the court with former teammates Alleiah Malaluan and Jessa Ordiales, while also joining a group of decorated La Salle alumni that includes Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Mika Reyes.

     

    The presence of those familiar teammates could help ease Cruz’s transition into a new system as she works to establish herself in a competitive PLDT lineup.

     

    High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort admitted that the opportunity to acquire Cruz came as a surprise, but said the team was delighted to welcome the young spiker and is eager to help her maximize her potential.

     

    “We were surprised but we are very happy with the acquisition. Hopefully, it’s a good problem to have. She is still young and has faced a few challenges, but hopefully we can help her learn and continue to improve. We will just take it one day at a time,” Ricafort said.

     

    For Ricafort and PLDT, Cruz’s arrival represents more than simply adding another player to an already talented roster. The coaching staff will have the task of helping her regain her form while finding the best way to utilize her attacking ability within the team’s system.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have already seen action in the ongoing 2026 PVL On Tour preseason conference, playing one match so far. PLDT opened its campaign with a victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday, July 25.

     

    PLDT will return to action on Saturday, August 15, when it takes on the Akari Chargers in Lanao del Norte.

     

    While the On Tour serves as an opportunity for teams to assess their personnel and experiment with different combinations, PLDT will also use the preseason to prepare for the challenges of defending its championship in the upcoming PVL season.

     

    The High Speed Hitters enjoyed a landmark campaign last year, securing their maiden PVL championship by winning the Invitational Conference. With a strong core returning and Cruz now added to the mix, PLDT hopes her arrival can provide another dimension to an already deep roster.

     

    For Cruz, meanwhile, the move represents a chance to turn the page and make the most of a new opportunity.

     

    After two injury-plagued seasons with Capital1, the former La Salle standout will have another opportunity to prove why she was once considered one of the country’s top young volleyball prospects. With PLDT providing a new environment and familiar faces around her, Cruz will look to make her mark and finally establish herself as a key contributor in the PVL.

     

     

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  • Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    For Kianna Dy, PLDT’s opening match in the 2026 PVL On Tour became more than just another preseason game.

     

    It turned into an early birthday celebration surrounded by the people who matter most.

     

    With her family making the long journey from Manila to Vigan City and Gilas Pilipinas star Dwight Ramos also in attendance, Dy responded with one of her best performances of the preseason, firing a match-high 17 points to lift the High Speed Hitters past Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The victory gave PLDT a winning start in its title defense in the On Tour tournament, but for Dy, the emotional support from the stands made the afternoon even more memorable.

     

    “I really appreciate them because the travel here is not easy, and it takes seven hours going here, and they’re here to watch my game and celebrate my birthday tomorrow,” said Dy.

     

    Among those who made the trip were her mother Bambi, sisters Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika, along with Ramos, whose family has roots in nearby Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

     

    The veteran opposite spiker rewarded them with an efficient outing, tallying 16 attack points and one block while providing the steady offensive presence PLDT needed throughout the match.

     

    Savi Davison chipped in 13 points despite playing only three sets, while veteran middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    The Flying Titans, however, hardly made life easy for the High Speed Hitters.

     

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    Despite missing national team stars Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, Choco Mucho showed its depth by stealing the second set and pushing the third frame into a tense extended battle before PLDT finally pulled away late to seize control of the match.

     

    The victory also highlighted the High Speed Hitters’ balanced attack, with multiple veterans stepping up whenever momentum threatened to shift in Choco Mucho’s favor.

     

    Still, Dy believes the preseason opener also exposed areas the team must continue refining before the 2026-27 PVL season officially begins.

     

    “It was really an intense game, one is to one talaga. And Choco Mucho mahirap talaga silang kalaban — buti na lang ‘yung mga pumasok talagang nag-perform. Obviously, we need to work on a lot of things for our next games. Pagbalik ng Manila, adjust ulit,” said the 5-foot-11 opposite spiker.

     

    PLDT now shifts its attention to its next PVL On Tour assignment against ZUS Coffee on August 8 in Santiago City, Isabela, hoping to build on a winning start that was made even sweeter by an early birthday celebration for one of its veteran leaders.

     

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  • Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    Shorthanded Capital1, defending champion PLDT open PVL On Tour bids in Vigan 

    The spotlight shifts to Vigan City this weekend as two teams begin their chase for a strong start in the 2026 PVL On Tour—though they will do so under very different circumstances.

     

    Capital1 enters the tournament looking to prove its depth despite missing several key stars, while defending On Tour champion PLDT begins its title defense with expectations once again resting on its veteran core.

     

    Action resumes Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Ilocos Sur, with the Solar Spikers facing the Nxled Chameleons at 4 p.m. before the High Speed Hitters battle the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 6:30 p.m. main event.

     

    Capital1 faces an immediate challenge after losing several of its biggest names to national team duties. With Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos unavailable, the Solar Spikers will lean on the next wave of talent led by No. 2 overall rookie pick Detdet Pepito.

     

    Even without their top wing scorers, Capital1 still boasts one of the deeper middle rotations in the tournament. Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Ponggay Gaston, and Pia Abbu are expected to anchor the team’s net defense and provide stability against an Nxled squad loaded with attacking options.

     

    The Chameleons, meanwhile, are determined to bounce back after falling to Creamline in four sets during their last outing in Ilagan City. Although they rallied to steal the second set, Nxled ultimately failed to sustain its momentum.

     

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    Veterans MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and EJ Carino remain at the center of the Chameleons’ offense, while Jonah Sabete and Jovelyn Fernandez look to continue their strong work at the net after combining for seven of the team’s 12 blocks in their previous match.

     

    Later in the evening, PLDT officially begins its title defense with a familiar championship core intact.

     

    The High Speed Hitters once again lean on Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron as they seek to open their campaign with a statement victory after winning last year’s PVL On Tour crown.

     

    Standing in their way is a Choco Mucho squad eager to erase the memory of a disappointing straight-set loss to ZUS Coffee in Batangas earlier this month.

     

    With national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Dawn Catindig unavailable, the Flying Titans will once again rely on Caitlyn Viray and Des Cheng, who both finished in double figures in that defeat.

     

    Isa Molde, Kat Tolentino, and No. 3 overall rookie selection Tin Ubaldo are also expected to shoulder bigger roles as Choco Mucho searches for its first victory of the preseason tournament.

     

    After its Vigan stop, the PVL On Tour heads to South Cotabato for the first time on Aug. 1.

     

    Polomolok will host another doubleheader featuring Nxled against Galeries Tower before Akari takes on Choco Mucho in the evening showcase.

     

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  • Reigning champions PLDT prioritizes recovery ahead of PVL On Tour preseason conference

    Reigning champions PLDT prioritizes recovery ahead of PVL On Tour preseason conference

    PLDT High Speed Hitters are taking a measured approach to the offseason as they prepare for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason conference, with recovery and regeneration taking center stage following a breakthrough campaign in the recently concluded All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Fresh off securing the franchise’s first-ever podium finish in a regular PVL conference with a bronze-medal performance, the High Speed Hitters have temporarily shifted their focus away from the court. Instead of immediately diving back into intense training, the team is emphasizing physical recovery, mental rejuvenation, and personal time before resuming preparations for another challenging season.

     

    Head coach Ralf Ricafort stressed that allowing the players adequate time to rest is a crucial part of the team’s long-term development, especially after months of rigorous training and competition.

     

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    “We highly prioritise the balance between the work that we put in since the preseason and the rest needed after every conference. I might try streaming One Piece on Netflix,” Ricafort said in a media interaction.

     

    Ricafort believes that proper recovery is just as important as the work done inside the gym, noting that giving players the opportunity to recharge physically and mentally helps sustain performance over the course of a demanding volleyball calendar.

     

    For veteran setter Kim Fajardo, the offseason serves as more than just a break from volleyball. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous conference, assess individual growth, and prepare mentally for the next challenge.

     

    “It’s a time for self-realization,” Fajardo said.

    Outside hitter Kiesha Bedonia echoed the importance of taking care of the body after an exhausting campaign, emphasizing that recovery does not necessarily mean complete inactivity.

    “We need to prioritize sleep, do light movements like walking and stretching,” Bedonia added.

     

    The emphasis on recovery reflects a growing understanding among professional athletes that quality rest is essential in maintaining peak performance, preventing injuries, and extending longevity throughout a lengthy season.

     

    For opposite hitter Jessey De Leon, stepping away from volleyball also means reconnecting with another passion. A licensed architect, De Leon finds balance by immersing herself in creative projects whenever she has the opportunity.

     

    “I really enjoy doing creative work whenever I feel inspired – it helps me reset and feel like myself again outside of the sport,” De Leon said.

     

    While the players enjoy a well-earned break, PLDT’s management has remained active in strengthening the roster ahead of the preseason tournament and the upcoming PVL season.

     

    The High Speed Hitters bolstered their offensive depth by bringing in experienced opposite spiker Jessa Ordiales while also investing in young talent through the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. The club selected former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Fianne Ariola with the eighth overall pick, adding another promising attacker to an already competitive lineup.

     

    PLDT also addressed additional areas of its roster by acquiring former Galeries Tower Highrisers standout Winnie Bedana and outside hitter Joan Monares, moves that provide the coaching staff with added versatility and depth heading into the preseason.

     

    The offseason additions reflect the organization’s determination to build on the momentum generated by its historic bronze-medal finish. After finally breaking through for a podium finish in a regular PVL conference, the High Speed Hitters are looking to transform that success into sustained contention.

     

    With a healthier, deeper roster and an offseason centered on recovery before returning to competition, PLDT hopes to enter the PVL On Tour preseason conference refreshed, recharged, and ready to continue its upward trajectory.

     

     

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  • Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    Joan Monares completes PLDT’s final recruitment piece ahead of 2026 PVL on Tour

    After going undrafted in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, University of the Philippines standout Joan Monares has quickly found a new chapter in her volleyball journey, this time at the professional level with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

     

    PLDT officially introduced Monares on Friday through a social media announcement, marking her as the final addition to complete the team’s roster build ahead of the 2026-2027 PVL season.

     

    “We all want more of Joan Monares so here we go! The outside hitter from UP becomes the final piece of PLDT’s recruitment before the start of the 2026-2027 PVL season!” the team said.

     

    Her arrival adds depth to an already stacked wing rotation that includes Savi Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, Kiesha Bedonia, Shiela Kiseo, and Jovie Prado, giving PLDT multiple attacking options heading into a crucial campaign.

     

    Monares’ collegiate career with the UP Fighting Maroons was defined by steady offensive production and leadership in a rebuilding program that often relied on her consistency against top UAAP contenders.

     

    At UP, she developed into one of the team’s primary scoring options, carrying a heavy offensive load while competing against some of the strongest collegiate programs in the country.

     

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    Her experience in the UAAP not only tested her scoring ability but also shaped her into a more composed presence in high-pressure situations—something PLDT will look to maximize in the pro ranks.

     

    PLDT, meanwhile, is entering the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with heightened expectations after an up-and-down run in previous seasons, where flashes of brilliance were often tempered by inconsistency in closing out tight matches.

     

    The High Speed Hitters have been steadily building chemistry under a balanced core, but the addition of Monares gives them another dynamic scoring option who can relieve pressure from their established wing attackers.

     

    Their campaign in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference showed both promise and growing pains, as PLDT pushed several top-tier squads to the limit but struggled to sustain momentum across full matches.

     

    With Monares now in the fold alongside setter Fianne Ariola of Perpetual Help, PLDT’s roster gains both youth and versatility as they continue refining their system for a deeper playoff push in the upcoming season.

     

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  • Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    Rald Ricafort to receive PVL Coach of the Year honors after PLDT’s breakthrough season

    After steering the High Speed Hitters to a flawless championship run across the season’s first two conferences, Ricafort is set to be honored as Coach of the Year at the upcoming second PVL Press Corps Awards Night on May 30.


    The High Speed Hitters stormed through the inaugural PVL on Tour without dropping a match, securing the franchise’s first professional championship before carrying that momentum into the Invitationals. 

     

    By the end of the run, PLDT had built an impressive 15-game winning streak — a stretch that established the club as one of the league’s new standard-bearers.

     

    Ricafort’s influence extended beyond tactics. Under his leadership, PLDT evolved into one of the PVL’s most disciplined and balanced teams after previously struggling to sustain deep playoff success. 

     

    The veteran coach collected 11 total points in the Coach of the Year voting, drawing an average of 7.8 media votes and 3.2 team votes to finish ahead of former Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos and Sherwin Meneses of Creamline.

     

    His steady climb with the franchise became more evident throughout the season. PLDT first secured a fourth-place finish in the Reinforced Conference before capturing its first-ever bronze medal in the All-Filipino Conference, signaling that the team’s championship breakthrough was no longer a one-conference surprise but part of a larger progression.

     

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    Still, while PLDT emerged as the season’s biggest riser, the recent conference champion, Creamline Cool Smashers once again reminded the league why their dynasty continues to define the PVL era.

     

    After enduring one of the rarest dips in their dominant run, the Cool Smashers answered every question about their staying power by reclaiming the spotlight with their 11th championship. 

     

    That resilience earned Creamline its second straight Team of the Year award at the annual rites. Cool Smashers finished with 10.4 total points in the voting, 6.0 from media members, and 4.4 from team votes which is comfortably ahead of both PLDT and Cignal.

     

    For perhaps the first time in years, the Cool Smashers entered a conference without the aura of inevitability. The rest of the league had caught up considerably, with deeper rosters, stronger imports, and more organized systems challenging Creamline’s long-standing supremacy.

     

    Even with the return of stars like Bernadeth Pons, Jia de Guzman, and Jema Galanza, the road back to the top was anything but smooth. Creamline found itself pushed into multiple do-or-die situations during the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, while Cignal repeatedly threatened to break the team’s grip on the title.

     

    But when the pressure intensified, the Cool Smashers leaned on the championship composure built through years of winning.

     

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  • Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Mother’s Day carried an added layer of emotion and meaning for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, as several of the team’s standout players took time to honor the women who have been central to their journeys both on and off the court in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    For a squad built on discipline, resilience, and high-performance standards, the occasion became more than just a league-wide celebration. It turned into a heartfelt reminder of the personal sacrifices behind every spike, dig, and victory point earned in professional volleyball.

     

    Leading the tributes was Filipino-Canadian star Savannah Davison, who reflected on the close bond she shares with her mother, crediting her not only as a guiding figure but also as a lifelong source of inspiration and friendship.

     

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    “She never put pressure on me to achieve accolades. My mom already knows how much she means to me – she’s not only my mother, but also my best friend. If there’s anything more to say, it’s that I’m incredibly proud to be so much like her. Even with her strong and independent nature, she remains wistful, curious, and always beautiful,” Davison said.

     

    Team captain Kath Arado also shared a deeply personal message, acknowledging the sacrifices her mother made in order to support her volleyball career and family life. Arado emphasized that her success at the highest level of Philippine volleyball would not have been possible without that unwavering support system at home.

    “I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I thank her for all the sacrifices, love, and support she’s given me and to my younger siblings,” Arado added.

     

    For opposite hitter Jessey de Leon, distance has made her appreciation for her mother even stronger. While balancing the demands of professional volleyball often keeps her away from home, she shared that staying connected through video calls helps maintain their close relationship despite the physical separation.

     

    “I will be video calling her. I’m so grateful for her and for everything she’s sacrificed for our family. She’s shown me what it really means to care for her children. I love you always,” De Leon stated.

     

    Outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan also paid tribute to her mother, describing her as her “number one supporter” through every stage of her athletic journey. Malaluan highlighted how her mother’s encouragement has remained constant, whether in moments of victory or during challenges on the court.

     

    “Mommy, thank you for everything you have done for me. Know that I am really grateful to call you my mom. I love you,” Malaluan concluded.

     

    Beyond the emotional tributes, the PLDT squad continues its campaign in the PVL with strong momentum, but the Mother’s Day reflections served as a reminder that behind every elite athlete is a support system built on love, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For the High Speed Hitters, those foundations remain just as important as any training session or match preparation as they push forward in the season.

     

     

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  • Hard road led PLDT to bronze as Rald Ricafort highlights grit in tough season 

    Hard road led PLDT to bronze as Rald Ricafort highlights grit in tough season 

    It wasn’t the ending they initially chased, but for PLDT, the road to bronze in the PVL All-Filipino Conference became a defining chapter shaped by resilience and survival in what head coach Rald Ricafort described as one of the toughest fields in recent memory.


    The High Speed Hitters closed their campaign the hard way, overpowering the Farm Fresh Foxies in a grueling five-set duel, 25-14, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-5, to sweep their best-of-three bronze series. 

     

    It was their second straight five-set victory over the Foxies, underscoring not just depth but a growing identity as a team that thrives under pressure.

     

    For Ricafort, the bronze medal represented more than a podium finish. It was validation of growth after falling short in the semifinal round. 

     

    “Napakalakas ng lahat ng kalaban, lalo this conference. Napakalakas na nagbalikan ‘yung mga national team [members] at naka-merge nila ‘yung ibang teams,” Ricafort said.

     

    PLDT entered the playoffs as one of the favorites after finishing the elimination round on top with a 7-2 record. But the semifinals proved unforgiving, as the High Speed Hitters stumbled to a 1-2 slate and were pushed to the brink before even reaching the battle for bronze.

     

    What followed was a pair of physically and mentally taxing wins. PLDT not only secured the series but reinforced its dominance over the Foxies, winning 10 of their 11 meetings in the 2026 All-Filipino conference, including all three five-set encounters.

     

    “Napakahirap. ‘Yun nga, hindi man namin nakuha ‘yung pinaka-goal na mag-Finals, pero ibibigay ko sa players ang commendation na nilaban ’to kahit papaano. Thankful kami, milestone pa rin na nakuha namin ‘yung third this time. Napakahirap nitong ginagawa namin, at least kahit papaano nakuha namin ‘yung bronze,” the veteran coach said.

     

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    The final match showcased PLDT’s balance. Libero Kath Arado anchored the defense with 28 excellent digs and 21 receptions, even chipping in a point to earn Best Player of the Game honors along with her sixth Best Libero Award in the PVL.

     

    At the net, Kim Kianna Dy powered through with 21 points, highlighted by six blocks, while Savi Davison delivered across all fronts with 20 points and 10 digs.

     

    Meanwhile, Farm Fresh leaned on Trisha Tubu’s 23 points, with Ces Molina adding 12 and support from Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Royse Tubino, who contributed nine points each—but ultimately fell short in the decisive fifth set.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Ricafort pointed to a deeper takeaway: cohesion remains a work in progress, even for a team that just reached its best finish.

     

    “Marami pang kailangang makilala sa isa’t isa. Happy ako na kahit papaano may natuntong kami this conference,” he said. 

     

    In a season defined by parity, returning stars, and reshaped rosters, PLDT didn’t just survive—it adapted. And in doing so, the High Speed Hitters turned what could have been a disappointment into a benchmark for what they can build on next.

     

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  • Savi Davison carries PLDT past Farm Fresh, eyes redemption run in bronze clash

    Savi Davison carries PLDT past Farm Fresh, eyes redemption run in bronze clash

    For Savi Davison and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Battle for Bronze was not just another win—it was a statement forged through persistence.

     

    In a dramatic five-set showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, PLDT survived a determined challenge from the Farm Fresh Foxies, pulling off a 22-25, 25-21, 27-25, 26-28, 15-11 victory to move one step away from securing a podium finish in the season-ending tournament.

     

    The match swung like a pendulum from start to finish. Farm Fresh struck first, taking the opening set 25-22, but PLDT quickly responded in Set 2 behind sharper execution and better control of key rallies. 

     

    The third set turned into a high-pressure chess match, with PLDT narrowly escaping 27-25 to take control of the series momentum. Farm Fresh refused to fold, forcing a deciding fifth set after edging Set 4 in a tight 28-26 finish.

     

    Davison took over when it mattered most, scoring four of PLDT’s last five points and finishing the match with the decisive attack that sealed the victory. Her 33-point explosion once again underlined her role as the team’s primary offensive engine in high-pressure moments.

     

    “I think we’ve had a pretty tough journey leading up to the playoffs. So, we really came into this game wanting it. You know, really wanting to redeem ourselves,” Davison said.

     

    The win carried deeper meaning for PLDT, which had previously been eliminated from Finals contention by Farm Fresh in the semifinals. That added emotional weight to the matchup, turning Game 1 into a chance for redemption rather than just survival in the bronze medal series.

     

    “I think we’ve had a pretty tough journey throughout the playoffs. We really came into this game really wanting it, really wanting to redeem ourselves,” she added.

     

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    But PLDT’s success was not built on Davison alone. Kianna Dy delivered 16 points, providing timely offense during momentum swings, while Mika Reyes contributed 13 markers through steady net presence and blocking support. Alleiah Malaluan and Majoy Baron added 11 and 10 points respectively, giving PLDT a balanced attack that proved crucial in the extended match.

     

    Setting the table throughout the five-set grind was Kim Fajardo, who finished with 36 excellent sets and was named Player of the Game for her leadership and distribution under pressure.

     

    On the opposite side, Trisha Tubu led Farm Fresh with 30 points, keeping the Foxies within striking distance in nearly every set. However, despite multiple late-set pushes, Farm Fresh could not close out the match in the fifth set as PLDT tightened its defense and executed more cleanly in transition.

     

    Now holding a 1–0 advantage in the Battle for Bronze, PLDT finds itself just one win away from securing the bronze medal. 

     

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  • Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    It was too late for a Finals push—but not too late to make a statement. Savi Davison who led the High Speed Hitters and delivered a commanding performance to a straight-sets win over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, in their final semifinal match in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    The victory, while no longer enough to keep their championship hopes alive, served as a strong response after back-to-back semifinal losses. 


    The 2025 PVL Invitational Conference MVP paced her squad with 21 points and added 11 excellent receptions, anchoring both ends of PLDT’s game in a morale-boosting finish to their semis run.

     

    “I think everyone coming in today, knowing that we had to bawi, I think that was the most important task today. So, I’m just glad that we came and were able to handle it,” she said after winning against their sister team, Cignal.

     

    Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, PLDT used the match to rediscover its rhythm—something that had eluded them earlier in the round. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters showed composure in tight stretches, particularly in the second and third sets, where Cignal threatened but ultimately fell short against PLDT’s steadier execution.

    Still, the result carried a sense of what could have been.

     

    “Hirap talaga kasi capable tayo. We’re super capable of being in the Top 3.” The Fil-Canadian said. 

     

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    That belief remains central to PLDT’s mindset heading into the final stretch of the conference and despite falling short of a Finals berth, the team is intent on proving that its semifinal stumble does not define its overall campaign.

     

    “Our journey isn’t done, but I just wish that we were in the Top 2, Top 1 seed,” the 27-year-old Open Hitter for PLDT said.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from chasing a title to securing a podium finish. PLDT is set to face the Farm Fresh Foxies in the best-of-three series for the bronze medal, opening on April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Aside from Davison, Alleiah Malaluan also chipped in 11 points and 14 digs while veterans Mika Reyes, Kim Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron contributed seven points each. Kim Fajardo also delivered an orchestrated offense with 23 excellent sets and two points.

     

    For Davison, the motivation is clear and that is to end strong and leave no doubts about the team’s potential.

     

    “Like coach said, it’s not over yet and we still have the job to do,” she said. “Take one game at a time and finish the season off with a win.”

     

    With confidence restored and one final goal in sight, the High Speed Hitters are aiming to turn a bittersweet semifinal exit into a meaningful closing chapter of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

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