PLDT has regained its footing before things get worse.
Reeling from back-to-back losses to Nxled and Ho Chi Minh, the defending champions found their form in time to roll past Farm Fresh, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, on Thursday in the penultimate day of the 2026 PVL Invitational preliminaries at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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PLDT climbed to 3-2 (win-loss), keeping itself in the thick of the race for the finals after consecutive losses had put its title defense in danger.
It was also a vengeful victory for the High Speed Hitters after being dealt a surprise defeat by the Foxies in the All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals last April.
Farm Fresh, meanwhile, fell to 1-3 and will await the result of the Creamline-EST Cola clash later in the night to know if it can stay in contention for a maiden PVL finals appearance.
Reigning MVP Savi Davison had her second 30-point game this conference, posting a triple-double of 32 points, 14 receptions and 10 digs.
"When we think too much about everyone on the court, it kind of takes away from your own responsibility. So, I'm glad that we were able to kind of trust in each other today and distribute and contribute and kind of finish it through," Davison said.
Redemption run
PLDT appeared firmly in control after a strong opening two sets, highlighted by a 9-0 run in the opener. But the High Speed Hitters stumbled late in the third, giving Farm Fresh a lifeline before making amends with an 8-3 start in the fourth to pull away for the win.
Behind Davison’s triple-double, Kianna Dy chipped in 15 points on 10 attacks, four blocks and an ace. Kath Arado came through with 24 digs, while Kim Fajardo dished out 26 excellent sets and added two points.
Ces Molina’s 12 points, 15 receptions and nine digs went for naught for Farm Fresh, as did Royse Tubino’s 11 attack points.
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