PLDT picked up exactly where it left off. Fresh off back-to-back titles in the offseason, the High Speed Hitters began their Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference campaign by steamrolling Capital1 in three sets, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23, on Monday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win stretched PLDT’s unbeaten run to 14 games and spoiled the highly anticipated professional debut of top draft pick Bella Belen, who showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t carry the Solar Spikers past the veteran core of the reigning Invitational and On Tour champions.

Bavykina adds new dimension to PLDT

Newcomer Anastasiia Bavykina wasted no time making her presence felt. The 6-foot-2 Russian outside hitter delivered 15 points, built on 10 kills, three blocks, and two aces, while also contributing 10 excellent receptions — a performance that immediately plugged gaps in PLDT’s rotation.

Head coach Rald Ricafort praised how seamlessly Bavykina blended in with his roster, noting that her skill set fills several of the team’s previous shortcomings. Her presence at the net complemented PLDT’s already stingy defense, as the squad piled up 16 kill blocks to snuff out Capital1’s offense.

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Savannah Davison once again anchored the defensive front, tallying seven blocks on top of 15 attacks for a game-high 22 points. Veteran setter Kim Fajardo ran the offense with 17 excellent sets, while Kianna Dy chipped in 10 points, including four rejections.

Capital1 shows grit but lacks finishing touch

Capital1 made PLDT sweat in the third set, briefly taking a 21-20 lead behind Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko. But Davison and Dy responded with clutch plays to swing the momentum back, and Davison ultimately sealed the match with a cross-court hit off Bytsenko’s hands.

Bytsenko led Capital1 with 20 points and 12 excellent digs in her PVL debut, while Belen tallied 13 points and nine digs, showing promise as she adjusted to the pro game. The Solar Spikers also dealt with a late scare when captain and starting libero Roma Mae Doromal had to be stretchered off due to cramps.

PLDT returns to action on Thursday against Choco Mucho, aiming to extend its winning streak to 15. Capital1, still searching for its first win under coach Jorge Souza De Brito, faces Nxled earlier that day.