High Speed Hitters Cruise Past Super Spikers, Prepare for Bronze Medal Showdown

PLDT enters its bronze-medal series on a high after a dominant straight-set victory, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, over Finals-bound Cignal on Thursday in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The High Speed Hitters now turn their attention to Farm Fresh, with the best-of-three battle for third place set to begin on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Farm Fresh had previously ended PLDT’s Finals hopes with a four-set win on Tuesday, setting up a rematch between the two teams for the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Cignal is set to face off against reigning champions Creamline in the championship round.

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort acknowledged the challenge of bouncing back after their semifinal exit and emphasized the need to regroup and finish the season strong.

“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t achieve our goal, but we have to move on quickly. It’s hard not to be tough on ourselves, but the work still needs to be done. We want to still fight for the bronze,” said Ricafort.

The High Speed Hitters largely controlled the match but faced a brief scare late in the third set when Cignal’s reserves mounted a comeback. Leading 23-19, PLDT watched as Jessa Ordiales helped spark a rally, with a couple of errors from PLDT allowing the set to be tied at 23-all.

However, the High Speed Hitters regrouped in time, with Alleiah Malaluan finishing a key down-the-line attack, and Mika Reyes sealing the victory with a crucial block, completing the match in 77 minutes.

Savi Davison led PLDT with 21 points, including 17 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, along with 11 receptions. Malaluan contributed 11 points and 14 receptions, while Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets, 10 digs, and two points.

Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Kianna Dy each added seven points, and Kath Arado anchored the defense with 13 digs and 12 receptions.

PLDT also received strong support from its bench, with Ordiales scoring 13 points and adding eight digs, while Erin Pangilinan and Ishie Lalongisip chipped in with eight and seven points, respectively.