After nearly five months of waiting, PLDT finally exacted revenge on Akari with a commanding 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena.
The rivalry between the two squads was ignited by an epic and dramatic semifinal clash in the 2024 Reinforced Conference, where Akari narrowly edged out PLDT with a thrilling 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-25, 17-15 triumph to advance to the finals.
That match became infamous for a mid-rally challenge during PLDT’s match point.
The net fault review ruled against PLDT, awarding Akari a critical point after it was determined that Ezra Madrigal’s left shoulder had made contact with the net, despite her being out of the play.
This time, however, the High Speed Hitters left no room for doubt. With Savi Davison back in action after missing the Reinforced Conference, PLDT dominated from start to finish.
(C) PVL Images
“Happy sa naging result. Nilu-look forward talaga namin ‘yung game today. Happy sa ginalaw ng team,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for PLDT, improving their record to 4-2 and placing them in a tie for fourth with Chery Tiggo.
After decisively taking the second set, 25-16, the High Speed Hitters ensured there would be no comeback, storming to a 16-7 lead in the third set to complete the sweep in one hour and 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Chargers dropped to a 3-4 record, settling in solo eighth place.
Davison made 15 points and six receptions, while Majoy Baron delivered 11 points on 11-of-18 spiking efficiency.
“That’s all I wanted to do is to help the team, whatever I could give in anyway possible. I know it’s difficult for us to get through that last year but coming back strong and taking them in three really meant a lot to us,” said the Filipino-Canadian outside spiker.
Erika Santos also chipped in 10 points while Dell Palomata had seven points in the win that Kath Arado controlled the defense with 19 digs and eight receptions.
(C) PVL Images
Faith Nisperos was the lone Charger in double figures with 11 points, while Ivy Lacsina was held to six points.
Justine Jazareno finally made her debut in the PVL for Akari with 10 digs while Grethcel Soltones did not play.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday, still at the Philsports Arena.
PLDT will aim to build momentum against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m., while Akari seeks a much-needed bounce-back win when they face the winless Nxled at 4:00 p.m.
