QUEZON CITY, Philippines — PLDT kicked off its title-retention campaign on high gear, surviving a third-set stumble to subdue guest squad EST Cola of Thailand, 25-23, 25-15, 26-28, 25-14, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning league Most Valuable Player Savi Davison spearheaded the High Speed Hitters with a 30-point performance anchored on 24 attacks, five blocks, and a service ace. Davison’s offensive mastery paced a decisive fourth-set assault that finished off the visiting Thai side in one hour and 47 minutes.
Mika Aireen Reyes provided solid frontline reinforcement with 13 points, including six blocks and 10 attacks, while Jovelyn Grace Prado delivered an all-around effort with nine points alongside 21 excellent digs and 13 receptions. Kim Kiana Dy and Mary Joy Baron contributed eight and seven markers, respectively, to round out PLDT’s balanced scoring sheet.
Setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out 29 excellent sets to outduel her counterpart Natnicha Saelao, who tallied 21. The High Speed Hitters dominated the scoring categories, outgunning EST Cola in attacks (60-42) and blocks (14-11), while capitalizing on Thai miscues to convert 25 points off opponent errors compared to the 21 they surrendered.
Nirarach Srikuta paced EST Cola with 14 points, including four aces, while Nannaphat Moonjakham chipped in 12 points. Team captain Hantima Aekpatcha added eight markers, followed by Supawadee Panwilai and Papatchaya Phontham with six points each.
PLDT looks to build on its opening-day victory when it takes on the Nxled Chameleons at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, while EST Cola seeks to rebound against the Farm Fresh Foxies at 4 p.m.|
