MANILA — PLDT High Speed Hitters surged into their bronze medal campaign with renewed confidence after dismantling Finals-bound Cignal Super Spikers in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, to close out the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The emphatic sweep allowed the High Speed Hitters to regain rhythm following their semifinal setback, setting the tone for their upcoming best-of-three bronze medal series against the Farm Fresh Foxies starting Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Savannah Davison spearheaded PLDT with a dominant 21-point outing built on 17 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, while Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 11 points to help secure the victory.
Despite the loss, Cignal had already clinched a Finals berth and opted to rest key veterans Erika Santos, Vanessa Gandler, Jacqueline Acuña, Gel Cayuna, and Roselyn Doria-Aquino in the non-bearing match. Negrense Jessa Ordiales paced the Super Spikers with 13 points.
PLDT, which topped the elimination round, is determined to bounce back after falling short of a Finals appearance, aiming to salvage a podium finish against the Foxies.
In the other semifinal result, Creamline Cool Smashers punched their ticket back to the Finals after overcoming Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, in a pivotal clash.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons delivered 12 points and steady all-around play as Creamline leaned on its championship experience to outlast the resilient Foxies.
Diana Carlos led the Cool Smashers with 15 points, while Jeanette Panaga tallied 13 points, including six blocks, to earn Player of the Game honors. Jessica Galanza also added 13 markers.
The victory marked Creamline’s 15th Finals appearance, keeping the Cool Smashers on track for a potential 11th conference title./PN
