MANILA — Defending champion PLDT High Speed Hitters overcame a determined challenge from Choco Mucho Flying Titans, surviving a tense third-set comeback before pulling away in the fourth to claim a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 victory and open its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour title defense on a winning note Saturday night at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
PLDT leaned on its experienced core to withstand Choco Mucho’s late rally in the pivotal third set before taking full control in the fourth to secure its first victory of the preseason tournament.
Kim Kianna Dy spearheaded the High Speed Hitters with 17 points, including the match-clinching attack that ended the two-hour, 18-minute encounter. Savi Davison contributed 13 points, while Mika Reyes added 12. Majoy Baron chipped in 10 markers, Alleiah Malaluan scored nine, and Kiesha Bedonia finished with seven.
The High Speed Hitters appeared headed for an easy third-set win after racing to a 16-8 advantage, but the Flying Titans stormed back and eventually forced a 24-all deadlock to extend the frame.
Choco Mucho even moved within a point of stealing the set after Isa Molde gave her team a 26-25 lead. PLDT, however, successfully challenged for a block touch to reverse the point before Reyes delivered back-to-back quick attacks to swing the momentum back in the defending champions’ favor.
Malaluan then buried a down-the-line winner to finally end the marathon third set and hand PLDT a crucial 2-1 match lead.
Carrying that momentum into the fourth set, the High Speed Hitters gradually pulled away behind the combined efforts of Dy, Malaluan and Bedonia before closing out the Flying Titans.
Caitlyn Viray led Choco Mucho with 16 points, while Molde added 14. Jewel Encarnacion contributed 10 markers, Mean Mendez had eight, and Ayesha Juegos finished with six as the Flying Titans slipped to 0-2.
In the day’s other match, the Nxled Chameleons bounced back from an opening-day loss by sweeping the Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, to improve to 1-1.
Myla Pablo powered Nxled with 17 points built on 12 attacks, four blocks and one service ace. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan added 13 points while anchoring the team’s floor defense with 17 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions./PN
