PLDT finally ended years of heartbreak in the Premier Volleyball League, seizing its first-ever championship with a hard-fought five-set triumph over Chery Tiggo, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, in the winner-take-all finale of the PVL On Tour on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The High Speed Hitters, who appeared headed for a sweep after dominating the first two sets, were forced to weather a furious Crossovers comeback that pushed the match to a nerve-wracking decider.
But with their middle blockers taking control, PLDT regained its composure in the fifth set to deliver the historic victory.
Mika Reyes starred in the finale with 20 points, earning Finals MVP honors for her all-around performance and steady leadership during the two-hour, 20-minute clash.
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“Kapit sa isa’t isa – that’s what kept us together,” said Reyes after the win. “Even when we were making errors and losing patience, we just held on to each other.”
Reyes drew ample support from fellow middle Majoy Baron and veteran opposite Kim Dy, who chipped in 13 points apiece.
Dy fittingly sealed the title with a block on Cess Robles after Chery Tiggo had saved three championship points.
Setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the attack with 25 excellent sets, more than doubling the combined output of Chery Tiggo playmakers Jasmine Nabor and Alina Bicar.
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Savi Davison capped her stellar tournament with 23 points, outdueling Ara Galang, who paced the Crossovers with 22.
Robles added 12 markers while rookies Renee Peñafiel and Jyne Soreño contributed six and five points, respectively, in a gutsy stand that forced the High Speed Hitters to dig deep.
Chery Tiggo denied PLDT’s first championship point in the fourth set before Robles and Galang led a late surge to extend the match. But Baron’s twin blocks on Galang in the decider gave PLDT a commanding 8-3 lead that the High Speed Hitters never relinquished.
The title capped an immaculate 8-0 sweep for PLDT, underscoring the steady growth of a squad that had often fallen short in past campaigns.
“After everything we’ve been through, we finally got this championship,” said coach Rald Ricafort, who became emotional while thanking fans for their support.
The triumph was also a financial boost for PLDT, which received the champion’s prize of ₱1 million.
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Chery Tiggo settled for ₱750,000, while Creamline, which secured the bronze medal over Cignal, earned ₱500,000.
Cignal’s Erika Santos was named tournament MVP, a highlight in her squad’s otherwise bittersweet campaign.
For PLDT, however, the night was all about breaking through at last.
From perennial contenders to champions, the High Speed Hitters completed their long-awaited ascent to the PVL throne – proving their grit, depth, and heart could finally carry them to the top.
