PLDT bounced back from a second-set stumble to keep Akari winless, claiming a four-set victory, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, and maintaining its unbeaten run in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Centre.
The High Speed Hitters improved to 3-0, matching Nxled’s record, and stayed in contention for the sweep incentive — an automatic semifinal berth in the playoffs.
It was an offensive masterclass for PLDT, with five players finishing in double figures.
(C) PVL Images
Fil-Canadian star Savannah Davison led the charge with 18 points and eight excellent receptions in nearly two hours of action, while setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the balanced attack with 18 excellent sets and two points of her own.
Majoy Baron anchored the net defense, accounting for seven of the High Speed Hitters’ 13 total blocks to finish with 14 points. Kianna Dy, coming off a 20-point outing for Capital1, also delivered 14 markers.
Mika Reyes chipped in 10 points, including three blocks, while rookie Alleiah Malaluan provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and seven excellent digs.
Team captain and libero Kath Arado tallied 26 excellent digs along with 10 excellent receptions.
“Siguro ni-remind lang dun sa system na nira-run namin, na ‘yon nga, kailangan talaga maraming variety sa attacks, at the same time mag-adjust kami dun sa ginagawa ng middles saka wings ni Akari,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“So maganda rin talaga laro nila Greth [Soltones] nung start. Actually, lahat sila. Kaya, ‘yun lang. Kailangan lang ng patience para mairaos hanggang sa endgame,” he added.
The High Speed Hitters also took care of the ball, committing just 14 errors compared to the Chargers’ 23.
PLDT will look to extend its flawless run when it faces Cignal on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Akari’s struggles continued as it absorbed its third straight loss to open the conference, remaining the only winless team in the 10-team field.
Grethcel Soltones paced the Chargers with 16 points and 13 excellent digs, while Ivy Lacsina posted 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces, and one kill block, along with 10 excellent receptions.
Ced Domingo added 11 points, while Fifi Sharma contributed 10 markers, including three of Akari’s 10 kill blocks.
Akari will try to snap its skid against Nxled on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
