PLDT got the title defense it had been waiting for.
The reigning champions opened the 2026 PVL Invitational with a 25-23, 25-15, 26-28, 25-13 victory over returning Thai guest team EST Cola on Monday, finally getting a competitive stage to defend the crown they won for the first time last year.
READ: PLDT begins title defense with win over Thai guest team EST Cola
The wait came after the PVL on Tour, originally envisioned as a competitive conference, was reverted into an exhibition series. PLDT had won last year’s championship through a full competitive conference, but this time had to navigate an unusual buildup before getting its first real test as defending champions.
The High Speed Hitters went unbeaten in the preseason caravan, using the tour to prepare for the Invitational. For coach Rald Ricafort, the priority was balancing the workload while keeping the team ready for the competition that mattered.
“Very crucial yung pag-balance talaga namin ng rest and trabaho. Although ‘yung players naman, nagkaintindihan naman kami na ito ‘yung conference talaga na ilalaban namin," he said.
“Sayang lang na ‘yung On Tour, hindi ‘yung katulad nu’ng last year pro yun na yung pinakabwelo talaga namin for this conference. ‘Yung motivation ng players, gusto talaga nila lumaban this conference, regardless kung ano ‘yung maging result.”
PLDT showed enough composure to withstand the Thais' challenge and secure its first win of the title defense, with reigning PVL Invitational MVP Savi Davison once again leading the way with 30 points.
But for Davison, the bigger challenge this season is not simply the demands of a tight Invitational schedule. It is the lack of extended stretches of competitive games that would allow PLDT to build its rhythm and cohesion as a unit.
“It's hard because we haven't been able to play as regularly as I feel like we want to, so actually fighting for something as reigning champions or if not, it's still exciting to fight to win," Davison said.
The circumstances, however, have done little to dull Davison and the team’s competitive edge.
“I just love to compete. I love being in hard situations. I'm so glad that I have people on the court to support me in that way," she added.
“I'm just happy to be in more competitive environment now than we have been lately. I'm just excited to see what we do next.”
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