The PLDT High Speed Hitters weathered a fierce challenge from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to kick off their 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown campaign with a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 victory on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum in Ilocos Sur.
After surrendering the second set, the High Speed Hitters regained their composure in a tightly contested third frame that proved to be the turning point of the match.
With the score tied at 26-all, PLDT successfully challenged a block-touch call on Kiesha Bedonia’s attack to keep the rally alive. Mika Reyes followed with a quick hit before Alleiah Malaluan fired a down-the-line winner to snatch the extended set, 29-27.
PLDT Finishes Off Choco Mucho
Carrying the momentum into the fourth set, PLDT raced to an early lead behind Bedonia, Malaluan, and Kianna Dy before pulling away to complete the 2-hour, 25-minute victory.
“Happy din ako na nakuha ’yung result. Marami pang kailangang ayusin. Medyo off ’yung iba naming starters, pero ’yun nga, mahirap ipanalo. Kailangan naming gumamit ng mga nasa bench. Happy kami na naka-perform ’yung mga hinugot,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Dy led the High Speed Hitters with 17 points on 16 attacks and 1 block, while Savi Davison finished with 13 points and 10 excellent receptions despite seeing action in only 3 sets.
Reyes added 12 points, Majoy Baron chipped in 10, and Kim Fajardo directed the offense with 26 excellent sets.
Defensively, six-time Best Libero Kath Arado tallied 31 excellent digs, while Malaluan contributed 9 points, 11 digs, and 7 excellent receptions.
What’s Next?
PLDT returns to action on August 8 against ZUS Coffee in Santiago, Isabela.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho remained winless in the tournament after dropping to 0-2.
Caitlin Viray paced the Flying Titans with 16 points, while Isa Molde added 14. Jewel Encarnacion contributed 10 points and 8 excellent receptions, and Thang Ponce anchored the floor defense with 23 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho aims to enter the win column on August 1 when it faces Akari in the PVL’s first-ever playdate in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
