AT A GLANCE
PLDT overcame early resistance from sister team Cignal in the first two sets, stumbled in the third, and nearly let their dominance slip in the fourth before hacking out a thrilling 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday,Jan. 28.
PLDT overcame early resistance from sister team Cignal in the first two sets, stumbled in the third, and nearly let their dominance slip in the fourth before hacking out a thrilling 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday,Jan. 28.
The HD Spikers flipped the momentum in the third frame, showcasing late-game composure. Relying on their middle blockers, who combined for 17 points, they pulled away from a tight contest to deny the High Speed Hitters a straight-set win and forced the match into a fourth set.
PLDT seemed poised to close out the match with ease, storming to a dominant 17-7 lead in the fourth set. However, a tactical gamble by coach Rald Ricafort nearly shifted the tide. He fielded in Kim Dy, making her much-anticipated return after an injury sidelined her since July 2023.
While Dy’s entrance drew cheers from the crowd, her first attack was denied by Vanie Gandler, sparking a fiery rally by the HD Spikers.
Gandler led the charge with a series of powerful hits, and Ishie Lalongisip delivered back-to-back points, including a clutch ace, to bring Cignal within, 21-22.
But the High Speed Hitters responded with nerves of steel. Majoy Baron broke the HD Spikers’ momentum with a well-placed power tip to restore a two-point cushion. From there, Savi Davison took control, delivering a decisive kill after PLDT stifled two of Gandler’s attacks, and sealed the two-hour, one-minute win with another thunderous spike.
Davison, who matched her tournament average with 24 points, credited her teammates for their unwavering support.
“I wanna give that to my teammates,” she said after being named Best Player of the Game. “They’re really good at keeping me composed, telling me to chill and keep going. I can’t be here without them, so thank you, guys.”
Davison capped off another stellar all-around performance with 12 excellent digs and 10 solid receptions, showcasing her defensive prowess to complement her offensive firepower.
The win improved PLDT’s record to 5-3, while handing Cignal its second loss in seven matches. It also marked a crucial rebound for the High Speed Hitters after their four-set defeat to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last Thursday.
Erika Santos provided the needed backup, finishing with 15 points while Baron ended up with 10 markers and Kiesha Bedonia, Dell Palomata and Angge Alcantara combined for 17 points for the High Speed Hitters.
It was an evenly-matched contest with PLDT barely winning the spiking and blocking duels, 57-56, and 8-6, respectively. Cignal had more aces, 5-3, but gave up 27 points on unforced errors against PLDT’s 21.
Gandler, fully embracing the role of a go-to guy following the exits of two key players, finished with 22 points while Jackie Acuña and Lalongisip backed her up with 14 and 12 points, respectively, and Rose Doria-Aquino added nine markers.
Erika Santos stepped up as a reliable scorer, delivering 15 points to support PLDT's attack. Baron contributed 10 markers, while Kiesha Bedonia, Dell Palomata, and Angge Alcantara combined for 17 points, highlighting the High Speed Hitters' balanced offensive effort.
The match was tightly contested, with PLDT narrowly edging out Cignal in key departments. The High Speed Hitters won the spiking duel, 57-56, and led in blocks, 8-6. However, Cignal had the advantage in service aces, 5-3, but their 27 unforced errors proved costly compared to PLDT’s 21.
Gandler, fully embracing her role as Cignal’s primary scorer after the departure of two key players, carried the HD Spikers with 22 points. Jackie Acuña and Lalongisip provided ample support with 14 and 12 points, respectively, while Rose Doria-Aquino chipped in nine markers in a valiant effort.
Davison ignited the High Speed Hitters' offense in the opening set. Trailing at 18-19, she unleashed a barrage of kills, scoring three straight points to bring PLDT to set point, 24-20. Santos then sealed the frame with a powerful crosscourt strike, showcasing PLDT's trademark resilience.
The second set unfolded in a similar fashion, with both teams exchanging powerful hits, stunning saves, and crafty drop shots. PLDT, however, stood tall in crunch time. After a Palomata block gave them a 17-16 lead, the set saw three ties before Alcantara's clever two-handed push broke a 20-all deadlock. With Bedonia's power tip and a decisive kill flanking a Baron looping attack, the High Speed Hitters closed out with a 4-1 blitz to take a commanding two-set lead.
