PLDT kept its perfect run alive, sweeping Cignal, 25-19, 25-13, 25-22, to remain unbeaten in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The High Speed Hitters improved to 3-0 and extended their franchise-best winning streak to 10 matches, a run that began with their flawless championship campaign in the PVL On Tour.
This time, PLDT went all-out with key players Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, and Kim Fajardo returning to the lineup after resting against Chery Tiggo last Thursday.
Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Dell Palomata also saw action for the first time since joining the squad, though in a limited role.
“Yun lagi naman na good motivation sa team na nakikita na per posisyon, kumpleto na kami. Although si Dell (Palomata) hindi pa masiyado nakakapag-practice, pinili na namin na nandiyan siya para mawala ‘yung pagka-miss ng team sa kanya,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
(C) PVL Images
Cignal briefly threatened in the third set, building a 19-16 lead behind Erika Santos’ consecutive hits and an Ethan Arce service ace.
But PLDT’s composure held firm — a trait sharpened during their PVL On Tour title run — as they closed the match with a 9-3 finishing kick. Dy, Majoy Baron, Davison, Alleiah Malaluan, and even libero Kath Arado contributed in the closing stretch.
“Dahil may napagdaanan na kami siguro rin na mahihirap, medyo nareremind yung team na napagdaanan na yan, isang ikot lang talaga ulit, point by point pa rin talaga yung lalabas,” Ricafort added, reflecting on how their championship experience helped steady the squad.
Davison led PLDT with 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while also contributing seven receptions and six digs.
Malaluan, the ninth overall pick of the 2025 Draft, chipped in 12 points, followed by Dy with 11 and Baron with 10.
Fajardo steered the offense with 19 excellent sets as the High Speed Hitters committed just 12 errors throughout the match.
PLDT looks to stretch its streak to 4-0 when it faces Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa University on Monday at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the HD Spikers slipped to 0-3 and now face the brink of elimination.
Preseason MVP Erika Santos was the lone double-digit scorer for Cignal with 10 points.
Cignal will try to notch its first win on Monday against ZUS Coffee.
