RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL — Still reeling from a straight-set beating at the hands of an import-less Cignal, PLDT bounced back with vengeance, handing Farm Fresh its first loss, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, Saturday at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
The High Speed Hitters recovered from a sluggish start in the opener, regaining their rhythm in the next three sets to complete the victory.
The result also pulls them even with the Foxies at the top of Pool A with identical 3-1 records.
Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina and Savannah Davison were at the heart of PLDT’s bounce-back win, wherein they dominated the last two sets after a close second-set win that ultimately gave them the win after an hour and 50 minutes of play.
(C) PVL Images
The High Speed Hitters cruised in the final frame, putting up a commanding 18-10 advantage via a Davison off-the-block attack that eventually took the fight out of Farm Fresh.
“Yun lang, before the game, ang reminders talaga ‘yung composure namin na ni-remind lang sila na lahat nga ng games magiging mahirap. So ‘yung naging lesson sa’min the previous game, inapply lang ulit,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, noting their loss to the Super Spikers last Tuesday.
“So ‘di namin nakuha ‘yung first set pero pinilit talaga ng players mag-recover agad.”
The PVL Invitational Most Valuable Player led the charge with 20 points along with eight excellent receptions, while Bavykina provided steady support with 18 points of her own.
Majoy Baron also contributed to the win with 10 points, including two of the team’s last three points, while Kianna Dy added nine markers.
Kim Fajardo weaved the offense and dished out 21 excellent sets to go along with 14 excellent digs. Team skipper Kath Arado anchored the floor defense with 18 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
PLDT takes on Nxled on Friday, 6:30 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in hopes of ending the first round with back-to-back wins.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Farm Fresh drew strength from Helene Rousseaux, who delivered 21 points — all coming from attacks. She also had 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, completing a hard-earned triple-double in a valiant effort.
Trisha Tubu added 12 points in the loss, while Ces Molina also put up an all-around effort of 10 points, 14 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions.
The Foxies will face off against Choco Mucho also on Friday at 4:00 PM.
