VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — PLDT overcame a second-set stumble to defeat Choco Mucho in four hard-fought sets, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, and open its campaign in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown with a victory on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum here.
The High Speed Hitters survived a tense third-set battle, with a successful block-touch challenge on Kiesha Bedonia’s attack knotting the score at 26-all. Mika Reyes then delivered a quick attack, before Alleiah Malaluan blasted a down-the-line winner to seal the extended frame, 29-27.
PLDT then took control early in the fourth set. Bedonia, Malaluan, and Kianna Dy built a comfortable cushion that the team never relinquished en route to the victory, which lasted two hours and 25 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
“Happy din ako na nakuha ‘yung result. Marami pang kailangang ayusin. Medyo off ‘yung iba naming starters, pero ‘yun nga, mahirap ipanalo. ‘Yun nga, kailangan naming gumamit ng mga nasa bench. Happy kami na naka-perform ‘yung mga hinugot,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
Dy paced PLDT with 17 points built on 16 attacks and a block, while Savi Davison contributed 13 points and 10 excellent receptions despite playing just three sets.
Reyes chipped in 12 points, Majoy Baron added 10, and setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets.
Six-time Best Libero Kath Arado anchored the defense with 31 excellent digs on 44 attempts. Then Malaluan finished with nine points, 11 digs, and seven excellent receptions.
PLDT returns to action on August 8 against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in Santiago, Isabela.
(C) PVL Images
For Choco Mucho, Caitlin Viray scored 16 points, but the Flying Titans dropped to 0-2 in the Showdown after suffering their second straight defeat.
Isa Molde added 14 points, while Jewel Encarnacion contributed 10 points and eight excellent receptions. Thang Ponce also stood out defensively with 23 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
The Flying Titans will look to break into the win column on August 1 when they take on Akari in the first-ever PVL playdate in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
