PLDT recovered from a third set slippage to down Nxled, 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22, in its 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference opener at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
The High Speed Hitters joined the Akari Chargers and the Petro Gazz Angels as early leaders in the season-opening conference that will run up to April next year.
After being dominated in the first two sets, the Chameleons found their footing in the third. Rookie Lucille Almonte, Chiara Permentilla, and Krich Macaslang led them to a 25-22 win to extend the match.
But the High Speeds Hitters’ response was fierier, as Erika Santos, Savi Davison, Dell Palomata, and Fiola Ceballos teamed up for a 16-5 start en route to the victory.
(C) PVL Images
“Good start pa rin sa amin considering kakabalik lang din ni Savi tapos bagong salang si Angge (Alcantara). Yung performance sayang hindi namin na-straight sets so ‘yun pa ‘yung kailangan namin i-work on siguro,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Davison returned emphatically after missing the past conference, delivering a team-high 19 points along with nine excellent receptions.
Rookie playmaker Angge Alcantara shone in a starter role, tossing 13 excellent sets leading to five High Speed Hitters in double figures led by Davison.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tiwala ni coach sa akin. Inembrace ko lang po ‘yung role ko and focus lang talaga,” said Alcantara, who also had three points.
Erika Santos chipped in 15 points, Fiola Ceballos had 13, and Dell Palomata added 10 as well.
Majoy Baron contributed 14 points – seven from blocks – to lead their team’s 16-block output.
(C) PVL Images
The Chameleons, now mentored by Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti, dropped their first game this conference.
This also extended their losing slump to eight games dating back to the Reinforced Conference.
Permentilla paced Nxled’s efforts with 21 points on 21 attacks she laced with 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Lycha Ebon also produced 15 points in the defeat while Almonte got nine points and 14 receptions.
Both teams will be back next Tuesday when the PVL travels to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
PLDT will face Galeries Tower at 6:30 PM while earlier at 4:00 PM, Nxled will take on ZUS Coffee.
