EST Cola punched its ticket to the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference finals after sweeping Ho Chi Minh City, 25‑19, 26‑24, 26‑24, to close the elimination round on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Thai side survived a pair of tight sets to finish the elimination round with a 4‑1 record and secure its spot in the championship match.
After dropping its tournament opener to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Est Cola responded with four straight victories to book a place in the finals.
Papatchaya Phontham led the way for the Thais with 21 points on 19 attacks, 1 ace, and 1 block.
“I feel good, but I have to give credit to everyone on the team. If we didn’t have our receivers and our setter, I wouldn’t have been able to attack and score. Everyone contributes to the team. It’s all about teamwork,” said Phontham.
Nannaphat Moonjakham added 18 points on 13 attacks, 4 aces, and 1 block, while also collecting 17 excellent receptions. Nirarach Srikuta chipped in 12 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Natnicha Saelao tallied 18 excellent sets, while liberos Nichakorn Wansuk and Jiratcha Naoprachun posted 11 and 10 excellent digs, respectively.
EST Cola Seals Match and Finals Spot
After EST Cola escaped a close second set, Ho Chi Minh City again threatened to extend the match in the third.
Dao Thi Nung tied the game at 24‑all with a quick attack before Phontham committed an attack error. Nattharika Wasan then answered with a quick hit, and Nirarach followed with a cross‑court winner to complete the 1‑hour, 30‑minute sweep.
The victory also eliminated the defending champion PLDT from the title race after the High Speed Hitters stunned Creamline Cool Smashers later in the day. PLDT will face the Cool Smashers again in the bronze medal match.
EST Cola will face the Nxled Chameleons in the championship match, with both teams finishing the elimination round with 4‑1 records.
Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, finished the elimination round at 1‑4 and will face Farm Fresh in the battle for fifth place.
Dang Thi Kim Thanh led the Vietnamese side with 14 points on 9 attacks, 3 aces, and 1 kill block.
