A place in the next phase was already secure, yet PLDT approached Saturday’s, March 14, match with urgency as it faced Choco Mucho in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. Rather than easing through the schedule, the High Speed Hitters used the contest to reinforce their system and stay sharp ahead of the tournament’s more decisive stretch.

The effort resulted in a comeback victory at the FilOil Playtime Centre as PLDT rebounded from a first-set loss to win, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19. The win served as a morale boost for the squad while also reinforcing the identity that has carried it through the competition.

After falling behind early, PLDT gradually found stability through improved floor defense and stronger presence at the net. The adjustments allowed the team to slow Choco Mucho’s offense and gain momentum as the match unfolded.

Strong blocking shifts control

The High Speed Hitters relied heavily on coordinated net defense to neutralize the Flying Titans’ attackers. Their blocking repeatedly forced difficult angles and disrupted Choco Mucho’s rhythm, allowing PLDT to convert key rallies during the middle sets.

By the end of the match, the statistical edge reflected that defensive dominance. PLDT produced a 12-6 advantage in blocks and also led the attacking department, 59-50, highlighting how effectively it controlled play after the opening set.

Balanced offense seals the win

Kim Dy emerged as a crucial figure in the victory and earned Best Player of the Game recognition after delivering 17 points. Five of those came from blocks, underscoring her role in PLDT’s defensive stand against the Flying Titans.

“We know Choco Mucho is a very offensive team, so we had to adjust to their spikers because they were attacking on almost every rally, para mahuli namin sila,” Dy said following the match.

Savi Davison also produced a strong performance with 19 points while adding six digs and 15 receptions to help steady PLDT’s all-around play. Across the net, Sisi Rondina paced Choco Mucho with 23 points but lacked consistent support from the rest of the lineup.

PLDT’s offense remained balanced as several teammates stepped up to maintain the pressure. Majoy Baron added 13 points including three blocks, while Alleiah Malaluan finished with 10 and Mika Reyes chipped in six.

Kat Tolentino scored 15 points for Choco Mucho, but the Flying Titans struggled to find additional scoring as Eya Laure was held to four markers.

The High Speed Hitters carried their momentum into the fourth set, quickly establishing control by claiming nine of the first 12 rallies. Their blocking again proved decisive as it repeatedly halted Choco Mucho’s attempts to close the gap.

Rondina briefly sparked hope for the Flying Titans with consecutive attacks late in the set, trimming the deficit. Malaluan answered with a sharp hit off the block before serving an ace that ultimately secured PLDT’s four-set triumph.