PLDT closed in on a quarterfinals spot following a dominant sweep of Queensland, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, for a winning debut in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The High Speed Hitters leaned on the trio of Savannah Davison, Mika Reyes, and Wilma Salas to dispatch the Pirates and open Pool D with a 1-0 record in this tournament backed by federation partners Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.
Following a dominant start in the first two sets, PLDT maintained its momentum in the third frame, racing to an 11-3 lead behind Davison and Reyes to bury Queensland early — a run that took the Australian side out of rhythm and out of contention.
The High Speed Hitters’ lead swelled to as many as 13 points in the third set, capped by back-to-back attack errors from Holly Mallet and Amy McCarthy, sealing the match in just an hour and five minutes.
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“Mag-relax muna. Yung excitement siguro ng pag-join dito yung nanguna, kaya medyo stiff kami nung start ng first set. Alam naman nila kung ano yung igagalaw at ilalaro namin — sadyang ganon lang talaga kasi yung kalaban, nage-effort din lumaban,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Fil-Canadian Davison top scored for the High Speed Hitters with 14 points, all of which came from attacks, to go along with eight excellent digs.
Reyes finished with 11 points built on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, while Salas rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, along with 15 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Kath Arado, meanwhile, took charge of the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and six excellent receptions in their debut win at the AVC Champions League, which is also backed by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.
PLDT will face one of the heavy favorites in the tournament in Nakhon Ratchasima QminC on Tuesday, 4:00 PM at the same venue.
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No player from the side of the Pirates finished in double digits. Alisha Stevens tallied eight points, seven excellent digs, and five excellent digs, while Lilyana Stanojevic added eight markers as well in their opening-day loss in the league organized by Sports Vision.
On the other hand, Queensland hopes to keep its slim quarterfinal hopes alive against Nakhon Ratchasima QminC on Monday, 1:00 PM.
