PLDT opened its first-ever PVL title defense with a 25-23, 5-15, 26-28, 25-14 win over returning Thai guest team EST Cola on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The High Speed Hitters finally got their first taste of defending the PVL crown in a meaningful competition after the league reverted the PVL on Tour to an exhibition series, making the 2026 Invitational their first true title defense since their breakthrough championship last season.
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Reigning PVL MVP Savi Davison led PLDT’s full-strength lineup, finishing with a match-high 30 points on 24 attacks, five blocks and one ace as the High Speed Hitters set the tone early in their bid to defend the crown.
"First assignment, very challenging lalo kasi usually 'pag may mga guest teams tayo, sila muna 'yung pinapanood natin. Very challenging para sa amin na medyo kulang kami sa preparation. Finocus namin 'yung side namin and happy kami na naka-perform yung mga players," said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
PLDT took the opener after EST Cola saved four set points, with captain Kantima Aekpatcha committing a service error moments before suffering a right ankle sprain from an awkward landing, forcing her to leave the game on a wheelchair.
The defending champions then surged to a 10-point lead in the second set to move within one of victory.
But the Thai side refused to fold, erasing a match point in the third before Nirarach Srikuta converted EST Cola’s third set point to extend the contest.
Davison then helped PLDT put the match away in the fourth, spearheading an 8-0 run after EST Cola pulled level at 12-all for a 20-12 edge. Mika Reyes backed the finishing surge with 16 points on 10 attacks and six blocks.
Jovy Prado also turned in an all-around showing with nine points, 21 digs and 13 receptions, complementing libero Kath Arado’s 26-dig, 12-reception effort as PLDT withstood EST Cola’s late-game pressure.
The High Speed Hitters now turn their attention to their first local assignment of the title defense, facing Nxled on Tuesday.
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