TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Kath Arado made sure her homecoming was a triumphant one as PLDT overcame a gritty Akari side, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, to claim its second win in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown on Saturday at the Mindanao Civic Center here.
The High Speed Hitters were originally scheduled to face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on August 8 in Santiago City, Isabela, but the match was canceled due to Tropical Depression Maymay.
With the cancellation of that match, PLDT wrapped up its On Tour campaign with a 2-0 record.
(C) PVL Images
“Sayang yung Isabela na leg, pero at least dito sa huling game namin for On Tour, nakuha namin yung goal namin. Nag-improve kami coming from the game against Choco,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
The Chargers appeared poised to take the second set after back-to-back points from Ivy Lacsina gave them a 24-22 set point, but the High Speed Hitters quickly fought back.
Majoy Baron delivered a momentum-shifting quick hit before Kianna Dy tied the set with an off-the-block kill. Savi Davison then put PLDT ahead before Eli Soyud’s ensuing attack sailed out, 26-24.
Akari, however, refused to fold. The team responded strongly in the third set, forcing the match into a fourth.
PLDT then opened the fourth with a 16-11 advantage before fending off the Chargers’ late runs to secure the victory in two hours and 26 minutes.
Davison carried the offensive load for PLDT with 22 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. She also made an impact on defense with 13 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.
Dy added nine points, while Mika Reyes, Alleiah Malaluan, Baron, and Jovy Prado chipped in six points apiece.
Arado — who hails from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte — also put together an inspired performance in front of her home crowd. She finished with 19 excellent digs on 32 attempts and seven excellent receptions.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Chargers closed out their preseason campaign with a 1-2 record.
Faith Nisperos led Akari with 12 points, while Chen Tagaod contributed eight. Grethcel Soltones and Lacsina added seven points apiece.
