MANILA, Philippines – With a decisive victory over ZUS Coffee, sweeping the Thunderbelles 25-20, 25-16, 25-15 on Saturday, PLDT solidified its position as a title contender and formally claimed the No. 4 seed in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Savi Davison scored a career-best 34 points against the reigning champs last week, but the best Speed Hitters showed off their firepower, riding high after their spectacular upset of the undefeated Creamline Cool Smashers.

In front of a crowded City of Passi Arena in Iloilo, PLDT defeated the young Thunderbelles 8-3 (win-loss) to end the preliminary round. They were assisted by Majoy Baron (10), Erika Santos (8), Mika Reyes (7), and Fiola Ceballos (4).

ZUS Coffee, which placed ninth in the preliminary round with a 4–7 record, will now face PLDT in a knockout rematch. Even though do-or-die games can go any way, the Thunderbelles will have a difficult time defeating the High Speed Hitters, who are already anticipating the quarterfinals and more difficult opposition.

The six victors move on to the best-of-three quarterfinals after the qualifying round starts on Thursday. In the meanwhile, the losers will compete for the final two QF slots in a play-in event.

Rald Ricafort, the head coach of PLDT, praised the players who stepped up and expressed happiness with his team’s straight-set victory.

Ricafort emphasized that they are focused on avoiding complacency as they pursue the championship, saying, “Our mindset is to perform well for our next opponent.”

Davison agreed, pointing up their impressive finish and momentum going into the postseason:

She remarked, “We’re glad to win the round and keep the momentum going into the playoffs.”

After dominating the first two games, PLDT transformed a fiercely contested third set, which included six early deadlocks, into yet another display of might. The High Speed Hitters took a 14-8 lead after a pivotal 8-2 run was started by a 1-2 play by Angge Alcantara.

After Thea Gagate’s putaway, ZUS Coffee battled back and momentarily reduced the gap, but PLDT swiftly took back the initiative. The Thunderbelles were left reeling after a persistent charge that culminated in a swift attack by Majoy Baron sealed the victory in just one hour and sixteen minutes.

With nine markers, Chai Troncoso led ZUS Coffee, followed by Michelle Gamit with eight and Thea Gagate with six.

The High Speed Hitters outscored ZUS Coffee in spikes (43-30), blocks (7-3), and serves (5-4) as they controlled every facet of the match. In addition, they made 14 mistakes themselves and took advantage of the Thunderbelles’ 20 mistakes.

With five receptions and 16 outstanding digs, Kath Arado led the defense.

Arado emphasized the squad’s strong preparation and teamwork against the Thunderbelles, saying, “We were all ready because we prepared for ZUS as a team, with each one focused.”

Early in each set, PLDT established the tone by launching an attacking onslaught that was well-balanced, hitting hard, and blocking strong shots. The Thunderbelles, on the other hand, showed incredible tenacity and proved to be strong opponents as they retaliated resolutely, only to give up under more pressure.

The High Speed Hitters quickly jumped out to 7-2, 14-10, and 18-14 leads in the first set before easing away with three straight points, which were completed off by a deft placement tip from Fiola Ceballos that increased the margin to seven.

Jovelyn Gonzaga’s incisive cross-court shot helped the Thunderbelles rally from a deficit to tie the score at 19-23.

However, Savannah Davison stepped up when it counted most, producing consecutive kills, including a game-winning blow at the conclusion of an exciting rally, to give PLDT the early advantage and seal the set.

Similar events occurred in the second set, as the High Speed Hitters swiftly took charge, soaring to 9-4 and 12-6 leads before increasing their lead to 20-14 by taking advantage of a misunderstanding on the Thunderbelles’ part.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort made a late double replacement with a commanding advantage, bringing on Kim Dy, who immediately made an impression. In order to force the High Speed Hitters to set a point, the former La Salle standout skillfully tipped the ball over two blocks.

Dell Palomata then put PLDT well in control by sealing the frame with a forceful, fast approach to the baseline.