The PLDT High Speed Hitters showed why they remain the hottest team in the league, clawing back from deficits in every frame to complete a sweep of Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, on Monday, August 25, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The win pushed PLDT to a flawless 4-0 record in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference, inching them closer to a coveted Finals berth. Despite the straight-sets result, the High Speed Hitters had to dig deep as the young Japanese squad pushed them to the brink in the last two sets.

Defense and composure fuel PLDT’s victory

Kobe Shinwa threatened to extend the match several times, but PLDT’s composure and net defense stood firm in the crucial moments. With the third set hanging in the balance at 23-all, Savi Davison broke through with a clever angled hit before the frontline slowed down consecutive attacks from the visitors. That sequence set the stage for veteran middle Mika Reyes, who sealed the win with a signature quick kill.

Statistically, PLDT dominated at the net, tallying 11 blocks against just one from Kobe Shinwa. They also led in attacks (51-44) while capitalizing on 17 opponent errors. Coach Rald Ricafort credited the team’s patience in handling Japan’s trademark long rallies and strong floor defense.

Setter Kim Fajardo, who orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and added four points, was named Best Player of the Game. “We just did our job with discipline and respect for our opponent,” said Fajardo, underscoring the team’s focus on consistency.

Malaluan and Reyes deliver in the clutch

Each set followed a familiar script of adversity and comeback. In the opener, Alleiah Malaluan sparked a late run before Reyes finished the set off with her steady middle attack. The second set saw PLDT erase a four-point deficit, relying on their blocking wall and a Malaluan spike to swing momentum.

The final frame was the toughest, with Kobe Shinwa building a 22-19 cushion behind top scorer Nagisa Komatsuda. But costly errors and timely hits from Malaluan, Davison, and Reyes flipped the script, allowing PLDT to close the match in one hour and 18 minutes.

Davison paced the High Speed Hitters with 17 points, supported by Malaluan’s 12 and Reyes’ 11. Komatsuda carried the fight for Kobe Shinwa with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop PLDT from extending their winning run to 11 matches dating back to their PVL On Tour conquest.