CANDON, ILOCOS SUR – PLDT moved closer to a quarterfinals berth after defeating Galeries Tower in four sets, 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, 25-20, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Candon City Arena here.
The High Speed Hitters overcame a sluggish start in the first two sets before finding their rhythm in the final two. They did just enough to hold off the Highrisers and climb to second place in the overall standings with a 5-1 record — just one win shy of securing a playoff spot.
With Galeries Tower coming out determined and playing aggressively, PLDT relied on its blocking to contain its opponents. The team recorded a total of 15 kill blocks led by Russian import Anastasiiia Bavykina, Kianna Dy, and Savannah Davison.
(C) PVL Images
“Credits to Galeries, maganda ‘yung pinakita nila today. Nahirapan kami sa service nila saka naging aggressive ‘yung import nila. So nahirapan kam ng sobra, pero ‘yun naman ‘yung lesson sa’min pa lagi, kung paano magre-recover sa ganun,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
Bavykina led the charge with a game-high 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks, adding six excellent receptions. Davison was close behind with 21 markers on 18 attacks and three kill blocks.
Dy contributed 12 points, including four rejections, while Majoy Baron added 10 markers in PLDT’s third consecutive win of the tournament, which lasted one hour and 46 minutes.
Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, while team captain Kath Arado anchored the defense with 21 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
PLDT will aim to secure its quarterfinal spot when it faces Chery Tiggo EV on Saturday at 4:00 PM at the Ynares Center Montalban.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Galeries Tower, despite claiming its first set win of the tournament, could not sustain momentum. The team bowed out of contention with a 0-6 record.
Montenegrin spiker Jelena Cvijovic posted 15 points — all on attacks — along with 14 excellent receptions, while France Ronquillo also finished with 15 points.
Jean Asis, a native of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, played in front of her relatives and scored 13 points, while Ysa Jimenez added 12 markers.
The Highrisers will still look for their first win when they take on Farm Fresh on Saturday at 1:30 PM.
