The quest for a third consecutive championship in 2025 continues as PLDT inched two wins closer to a first-ever PVL Reinforced Conference title.
PLDT got back at sister team and preliminary round tormentor Cignal, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, to advance to the semifinal on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Savi Davison continued to shine bright for the High Speed Hitters to set a knockout semifinal game against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
Davison finished with 21 points off 18 kills and three blocks. Russian spiker Anastasiia delivered 15 points and 12 digs, as Majoy Baron nailed five blocks for 11 points.
Rookie Alleiah Malaluan also provided quality action, scoring four in the fourth set, including the game-winning attack.
‘Full credit to Cignal. They really pushed us, especially after winning the third set. I’m just happy that after our loss to Petro Gazz, the players were able to respond, both from the preparation and during today’s game,’ said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino. ‘We felt the challenge, the pressure, but we managed to overcome it. I’m really happy that everyone contributed, and Alleiah coming in at the right moment made a big impact too.’
PLDT bounced back from a tough elimination round loss to Petro Gazz last week and its first loss to an All-Filipino Cignal in the first round.
The High Speed Hitters reached the semifinal last year only to suffer a heartbreaking loss to eventual runner-up Akari Chargers.
This year, PLDT has swept the PVL on Tour and Invitational for the first two franchise titles.
Cignal, which won five of its last six games in the eliminations, bowed out of title contention.
Katrin Trebichavska carried Cignal with 18 points, 17 digs, and 14 receptions. Erika Santos and Jackie Acuña had 12 points each.