The PLDT High Speed Hitters absorbed the early punch, then delivered the knockout when it mattered most.
Outplayed in the opening frame and pushed to the brink in the second, the High Speed Hitters flipped the match in Set 3 and rode that surge to an 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies to clinch the first semifinals slot in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
PLDT Turns Match Around
The turning point came with PLDT trailing 9-12 in the third. From there, the High Speed Hitters recalibrated, strung together a decisive run, and reestablished control—first at the net, then across the floor.
That shift opened the floodgates.
PLDT imposed its will with relentless attacking while restoring its identity as a top-tier blocking unit. Farm Fresh, which earlier dictated tempo with its net defense, unraveled under sustained pressure, struggling to produce on offense and stabilize on the floor.
Kim Dy led the response with 19 points on a 50 percent clip, adding six excellent digs in another Best Player of the Game showing.
“Since we split the first two sets, whoever gets the third will have the momentum,” Dy said. “We told ourselves we had to get it.”
High Speed Hitters Have High-Speed Finish
PLDT carried that momentum into the fourth, racing to an early lead and keeping Farm Fresh at bay despite a late stand. The Foxies saved three match points, but a composed huddle steadied the High Speed Hitters before Savi Davison sealed the win with a clean kill.
Davison finished with 22 points, including 5 blocks, and added 11 receptions in a strong all-around effort. Majoy Baron chipped in 11 markers, while Alleiah Malaluan contributed 10.
PLDT also gained breathing room late when Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu—who still tallied a game-high 25 points—was sidelined midway through the fourth.
The High Speed Hitters edged the Foxies in attacks, 57-56, but made their separation in crucial stretches, particularly in the third. They also capitalized on errors, scoring 21 points off miscues while giving up 16.
At the helm, Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 28 excellent sets, outdueling Alohi Robins-Hardy’s 25.
For Farm Fresh, the road to the Final Four now runs through a do-or-die clash in the Play-In round.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Thursday, March 28 • Ninoy Aquino Stadium • Play-In
Nxled Chameleons vs. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 4:00 p.m.
Akari Chargers vs. Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 6:30 p.m.
