PLDT moved to the brink of another finals appearance after sweeping Kobe Shinwa University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitational on Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The High Speed Hitters extended their winning streak to 11 games and solidified their hold on the top spot with a 4-0 record. They will officially clinch a spot in the finals if ZUS Coffee falls to Cignal later in the day.
(C) PVL Images
A Thunderbelles loss would drop them to 0-2, leaving only Kobe Shinwa (1-1) and Chery Tiggo (2-1) as the remaining teams capable of challenging PLDT. However, since the Japanese squad and the Crossovers are still set to face each other, one of them is guaranteed a second loss.
This scenario ensures that no team can match PLDT’s record, securing the High Speed Hitters a spot in the top two.
PLDT’s trademark blocking proved to be the key difference in the match. Despite Kobe Shinwa leading in attacks, 51-44, the High Speed Hitters recorded 11 blocks against just one from their opponents, ultimately deciding the outcome.
After comfortably taking the first two sets, PLDT trailed 18-20 in the third before unleashing a 7-3 finishing run to seal the victory in an hour and 26 minutes.
“Ang pinaka-inanticipate is ‘yun nga, i-respect ‘yung laro ng Japan na i-anticipate na namin ‘yung mga long rallies, sobrang gandang floor defense,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
“So ni-remind sa kanila ‘yung patience na na-test na kami nung mga nakaraan. So meron na kaming naging basis, pero ‘yun nga, kakaiba ‘yung ganitong experience. Happy kami na at least nakakuha kami ng win against Japan,” he added.
Savannah Davison led the charge with 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while also contributing six excellent digs.
Alleiah Malaluan continued her strong form with 12 points and eight excellent receptions, while Mika Reyes added 11 markers.
Kim Fajardo dished out 20 excellent sets and chipped in four points, while team captain Kath Arado anchored the defense with 20 excellent digs and six receptions.
The High Speed Hitters aim to complete a sweep of the eliminations on Thursday when they face ZUS Coffee at 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
(C) PVL Images
For Kobe Shinwa, Nagisa Komatsuda paced the squad with 21 points on 19 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Arisu Ishikawa added eight points and seven digs, while Kokoro Yasuma and Yuia Yamano contributed seven markers each in the loss.
The Japanese squad will try to bounce back when they battle Creamline on Tuesday at 4:00 PM, also at Philsports Arena.
