PLDT’s second stringers did the heavy lifting in bumping off Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-14, 25-20, in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Seven straight points from the preseason champions put an end to a lopsided rematch between the tour finalists.
The High Speed Hitters did not field Savi Davison, Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo in their Invitationals opener just four days since their pulsating five-set title win over the Crossovers.
READ: PLDT sets title celebrations aside for another title chase
The newly-crowned champions leaned on the debuting Alleiah Malaluan, their ninth-overall draft pick last June, who had just been cleared from Alas Pilipinas duties.
Malaluan nearly had a triple-double in her first game as a pro with 11 points, 13 digs and nine receptions.
Taking Fajardo's spot on lead playmaking duties was sophomore setter Angge Alcantara who posted 20 excellent sets and five points.
The preseason's best middle blocker in Majoy Baron was one of a select few PLDT core players to see extended minutes in their first post-championship match where she had 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks.
Meanwhile, no Crossover hit double figures as Cess Robles' eight markers paced their second straight loss.
Chery Tiggo drops to 0-2 in the Invitationals.
Tireless Warriors
PLDT started the match on an 8-2 run and ended it with seven unanswered points.
The numbers might show no signs of fatigue whatsoever, but PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort mitigated the risk of wearing out his stars by resting most of them and fielding his bench players for the most part.
"Yun 'yung goal going to this game, na i-prioritize 'yung health ng players, sila Kim, si Kianna, actually si Savi, pinagbihis lang. Ang mas naging goal ay pangalagaan 'yung sa kanila, saka magbigay ulit ng opportunity sa mga second unit," Ricafort said.
"At least, isa sa mga naging reinforcement namin, 'yung matagal na naming hinintay [Alleiah Malaluan], nakapag-perform naman."
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