The PLDT High Speed Hitters leaned on their overwhelming firepower and strong net defense to dismantle Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-18, 25-22, 25-17, and seize control of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, March 10. The victory pushed the High Speed Hitters to the top of the standings in the tightly contested tournament.

The PLDT PVL win was built on relentless wing attacks and a suffocating presence at the net that kept the Highrisers on the defensive throughout the 73-minute encounter. Aside from a brief scare late in the second set and a spirited start by Galeries Tower in the third, PLDT controlled the match with steady offense and a disciplined defensive wall.

The win lifted PLDT to the solo lead with a 6-1 record, overtaking sister team Cignal HD Spikers (5-2) while moving ahead of defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers (5-1) in the race for spots in the Qualifying Round. It also marked the High Speed Hitters’ third straight victory since their earlier three-game run was halted by Cignal in a surprising straight-set defeat.

PLDT dominates at the net and on offense

The PLDT PVL win was highlighted by its dominance at the net, where its middle blockers repeatedly rejected Galeries Tower attacks while its wing spikers maintained constant pressure. The High Speed Hitters won the attack battle, 43-37, while also dominating in blocks, 9-4, and service aces, 6-1.

Savi Davison spearheaded the offense with 21 points after exploding for 32 in their previous outing against the Farm Fresh Foxies. Mika Reyes added 10 points while Alleiah Malaluan, Majoy Baron and Kim Dy chipped in nine, seven and six markers, respectively.

Malaluan also delivered a strong all-around effort with 14 excellent receptions and seven digs while Davison contributed seven receptions of her own. The defensive stability helped PLDT limit Galeries Tower’s scoring opportunities and maintain momentum throughout the match.

Malaluan and Reyes combined for key blocks on Erika Raagas and Cams Victoria late in the contest, showcasing PLDT’s imposing net defense. Malaluan then followed with a twisting attack near the antenna to bring PLDT to match point before Dy sealed the victory by capitalizing on a broken play.

Highrisers struggle to break PLDT defense

No Galeries Tower player managed to reach double digits as PLDT’s defensive wall consistently disrupted the Highrisers’ rhythm. Jean Asis led the team with nine points while Gayle Pascual added eight, and Aiza Pontillas and Erika Deloria finished with seven each.

PLDT seized control early in the opening set by recording four blocks and forcing Galeries Tower attackers to adjust their shots in midair, resulting in multiple errors. A decisive five-point run allowed the High Speed Hitters to break open a tight contest and establish a commanding 21-14 advantage.

The Highrisers showed more fight in the second frame and even held a 16-13 lead before PLDT regained control behind timely plays and defensive stops. Galeries Tower rallied late behind Victoria’s second hit and a block by Shola Alvarez on Jessey de Leon, but PLDT quickly regrouped after a timeout.

Setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets while also scoring three points to earn Best Player of the Game honors. She said the team’s improved communication and energy played a crucial role after a difficult five-set battle in their previous match.

“We focused on ourselves. Aside from recovery, we needed to work on what we had to do,” Fajardo said. “Yung communication, trust and energy – mga key factors na hindi naituturo. I’m happy na lumitaw sa game namin ngayon, sana magtuloy-tuloy ito.”

PLDT now turns its attention to upcoming matches against Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday and Nxled on March 19 as the race toward the playoffs intensifies. Fajardo acknowledged the growing difficulty of the competition as the tournament approaches the qualifying stages.

“Pahirap nang pahirap ang labanan. Sana yung team mas maging cohesive at mag-jell pa,” she said.