PLDT secured a morale-boosting 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 triumph over Finals-bound Cignal to enter the battle for bronze on a winning note in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The High Speed Hitters will take on the Farm Fresh Foxies in the best-of-three bronze medal series beginning Tuesday at 4:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was Farm Fresh that knocked PLDT out of Finals contention last Tuesday with a 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23 victory.
Meanwhile, Cignal will face Creamline in the best-of-three Finals series.
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“Sadyang unfortunate na hindi namin nakuha yung goal namin, pero kailangan mag-move on agad. ‘Yung pagiging hard sa sarili namin di maiiwasan, pero ‘yung trabaho, kailangan mag-show up pa rin. Ito ‘yung part na ’yon. Gusto pa rin namin kunin ‘yung bronze,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
With PLDT just two points away from victory, 23-19, Cignal’s second-stringers mounted a late run.
Jessa Ordiales scored two points, while the High Speed Hitters committed two errors, allowing Cignal to tie the set at 23-all.
Alleiah Malaluan and Mika Reyes, however, closed out the match in 77 minutes with a down-the-line kill and a solid block, respectively.
Savi Davison produced a game-high 21 points, built on 17 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, along with 11 receptions. Then Malaluan delivered a well-rounded performance with 11 points and 14 receptions.
Kim Fajardo dished out 23 excellent sets, added 10 digs, and scored two points, while Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Kianna Dy contributed seven points each.
Kath Arado also impressed with 12 receptions and 13 digs.
(C) PVL Images
Cignal, for its part, barely used its usual starters, with Ordiales leading the way with 13 points and eight digs.
Erin Pangilinan added eight points, while Ishie Lalongisip chipped in seven.
