THERE may be no PVL on Tour title for PLDT to defend this year, but it still had to battle tooth and nail to protect a winning start.
The reigning preseason champions weathered a stern challenge from Choco Mucho, pulling away late for a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 victory on Saturday in Vigan.
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With this year's 'On Tour' reduced to a preseason caravan and no championship at stake, PLDT instead came out eager to show last year's breakthrough run was no fluke.
The High Speed Hitters turned up the heat on a rainy evening up north, rolling out a full-strength lineup bannered by former PVL MVP Savi Davison who finished with 13 points and 10 receptions.
Kianna Dy posted 17 points on the eve of her 31st birthday, and Alleiah Malaluan also provided some added punch from the wings with nine points, 11 digs and seven receptions.
Veteran middles Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron anchored the attack with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Third-set turnaround
Set 3 ultimately swung the match in PLDT's favor after the High Speed Hitters escaped what looked like an improbable collapse. After cruising to a commanding 19-11 lead, Choco Mucho went on to erase the eight-point deficit, sparked by Mean Mendrez's converted two-point Premier Ball.
The Flying Titans even reached set point twice before Alleiah Malaluan finally broke the deadlock and cashed in on PLDT's third set point by finding a hole at the very back of the Choco Mucho defense for a 29-27 escape.
Instead of allowing Choco Mucho to complete the comeback and seize control of the match, Dy slammed the door shut with a late charge to hold the gutsy Flying Titans at bay.
Caitlin Viray paced the Choco Mucho loss with 16 points, while Isa Molde finished with 14 points and 12 digs.
Newcomer Jewel Encarnacion added 10 points and eight receptions, while veteran libero Thang Ponce anchored the Flying Titans' floor defense with 23 digs and 13 receptions.
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