MANILA, Philippines – After overcoming early opposition from sister team Cignal in the first two sets, faltering in the third, and almost losing their lead in the fourth, PLDT pulled off an exciting victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena, winning 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22.

In the third frame, the HD Spikers showed late-game poise by turning the tide. They overcame a close match to force a fourth set and denied the High Speed Hitters a straight-set victory by relying on their middle blockers, who scored a combined 17 points.

With a commanding 17-7 lead in the fourth set, PLDT were ready to end the contest easily. But coach Rald Ricafort’s calculated risk almost turned the tide. He brought on Kim Dy, who had been out since July 2023 due to an injury, making her much awaited comeback.

The crowd cheered as Dy entered, but Vanie Gandler stopped her initial attack, which led to a furious rally by the HD Spikers.

With a string of strong hits, Gandler took the lead, then Ishie Lalongisip scored consecutive points, including a clutch ace, to pull Cignal within 21–22.

The High Speed Hitters, however, reacted with steely nerves. Majoy Baron restored a two-point lead by breaking the HD Spikers’ momentum with a well-placed power tip. After PLDT stopped two of Gandler’s attacks, Savi Davison took over and delivered a decisive kill. With another massive spike, he sealed the two-hour, one-minute victory.

With 24 points, Davison matched her tournament average and gave her teammates thanks for their steadfast support.

After winning Best Player of the Game, she remarked, “I want to give that to my teammates.” They do a great job of advising me to calm down and keep moving forward. Thank you, guys; without you, I couldn’t be here.

With 12 outstanding digs and 10 strong catches, Davison completed yet another outstanding all-around performance, demonstrating her ability to play defense in addition to her offensive brilliance.

With the victory, PLDT’s record rose to 5-3 while Cignal suffered its second defeat in seven games. Following their four-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last Thursday, it was also a significant comeback for the High Speed Hitters.

Kiesha Bedonia, Dell Palomata, and Angge Alcantara combined for 17 points for the High Speed Hitters, while Baron finished with 10 markers. Erika Santos, who finished with 15 points, served as the necessary backup.

PLDT narrowly prevailed in the spiking and blocking duels, 57-56 and 8-6, respectively, in an equally balanced battle. Despite having more aces (5–3), Cignal lost 27 points to PLDT’s 21 on unforced errors.

Rose Doria-Aquino contributed nine points, Jackie Acuña and Lalongisip supported her with 14 and 12 points, respectively, and Gandler, who was fully embracing the position of a go-to guy after the departure of two important players, concluded with 22 points.

Erika Santos proved to be a dependable scorer, contributing 15 points to PLDT’s offensive effort. The balanced attacking effort of the High Speed Hitters was highlighted by Baron’s 10 markers and the combined 17 points of Kiesha Bedonia, Dell Palomata, and Angge Alcantara.

The game was fiercely contested, with PLDT just defeating Cignal in several crucial areas. The High Speed Hitters led in blocks, 8-6, and prevailed in the spiking duel, 57-56. Although Cignal was ahead 5-3 in service aces, their 27 unforced errors were more costly than PLDT’s 21.

Gandler led the HD Spikers with 22 points, firmly embracing her role as Cignal’s main scorer following the departure of two important players. With 14 and 12 points, respectively, Jackie Acuña and Lalongisip offered plenty of assistance, and Rose Doria-Aquino put up a strong performance with nine markers.

In the first set, Davison sparked the High Speed Hitters’ attack. She went on a flurry of kills, scoring three points in a row to put PLDT ahead 24–20 after trailing 18–19. Santos then demonstrated PLDT’s renowned tenacity by securing the frame with a strong crosscourt shot.

Similar events occurred in the second set, as both teams traded strong blows, incredible saves, and deft drop shots. But when it mattered most, PLDT kept its ground.