PLDT survived Cignal’s uprising in the fourth set, taking a 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 win to return to the win column of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.
After the HD Spikers took the third set, the High Speed Hitters responded with a vengeance, building a 16-6 advantage in the fourth and looking set to close the game with ease.
However, Cignal, led by Vanie Gandler, Jackie Acuña, and Ishie Lalongisip, rallied to close the gap to within one, 21-22.
Fortunately for PLDT, Majoy Baron and Savi Davison came through to finish the match in two hours and 12 minutes.
“For the bounce back, we’re just happy to grab another win and just to keep competing and finally have some motivation going into our next game. Hopefully, we continue,” said PLDT’s Savi Davison, who led the team with 24 points, 12 digs, and 10 receptions.
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The High Speed Hitters continued their trend of ups and downs, bouncing back from their loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to improve their record to 5-3.
PLDT, Choco Mucho, and Chery Tiggo all currently hold a 5-3 record, tied for fourth to sixth places.
Davison was not a one-woman show this time, as backup support was strong.
Erika Santos added 15 points, Baron had 10, and Kiesha Bedonia contributed seven points off the bench.
Kianna Dy also made her PLDT debut after transferring from the now-defunct F2 Logistics. She had been sidelined since July 2023 due to a right knee injury.
PLDT will look to build on its momentum when it faces Farm Fresh next Tuesday at the same Pasig venue.
Cignal suffered its first loss since the departure of stars Ces Molina and Riri Meneses, dropping to 5-2 and solo third place.
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Gandler paced the HD Spikers with 22 points on 19 spikes, two aces, and a block, while Acuña and Lalongisip chipped in 14 and 12, respectively.
Cignal will next face defending champion Creamline on Saturday.
