Alleiah Malaluan announced her arrival in style.
The ninth overall pick made a memorable pro debut, nearly posting a triple-double to lead PLDT to a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-18 sweep of Chery Tiggo in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitational opener on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Malaluan came off the bench and immediately delivered for the High Speed Hitters, finishing with 11 points, 13 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions in the one-hour, 25-minute victory.
Her all-around brilliance helped PLDT improve to 2-0 despite missing three of its top guns — Savannah Davison, Kianna Dy, and Kim Fajardo — who were off on rest after their grueling title run in the PVL On Tour.
With the Crossovers threatening late in the third frame, 18-20, Malaluan joined hands with Mika Reyes, Angge Alcantara, and Jessey De Leon. The group unleashed a fiery 6-0 closing run that sealed the High Speed Hitters’ ninth straight win dating back to the preseason.
(C) PVL Images
“’Yun ’yung goal going to this game, na i-prioritize ’yung health ng players — sila Kim, si Kianna, actually si Sav, pinagbihis lang,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, underscoring the importance of recovery for his stars.
“Ang mas naging goal ay pangalagaan ‘yung sa kanila, saka magbigay ulit ng opportunity sa mga second unit. So at least, isa sa mga naging reinforcement namin ‘yung matagal na naming inaantay [Alleiah Malaluan]. Nakapag-perform naman,” he added.
Majoy Baron provided steady support with 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks, while De Leon and Reyes chipped in nine and eight markers, respectively. Alcantara orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and added five points, including two clutch service aces in the finishing run.
Defensive anchor Kath Arado also stood tall with 23 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
The High Speed Hitters will look to extend their hot streak against Cignal on Saturday at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Chery Tiggo, which forced PLDT into a five-set thriller in the preseason finals, slid to 1-1 after no player breached double digits. Cess Robles topscored with eight points.
The lone bright spot for the Crossovers was the return of Jennifer Nierva from Alas Pilipinas duty, where she tallied 18 excellent digs and nine receptions in her first game back.
The Crossovers aim to bounce back against defending champion Creamline later on Saturday at 6:30 PM.
