PLDT bounced back from a third-set slip to defeat Nxled, 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22, in their 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference opener at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
The High Speed Hitters joined the Akari Chargers and the Petro Gazz Angels as early leaders in the season-opening conference, which runs until April next year.
After being dominated in the first two sets, the Chameleons found their rhythm in the third set. Rookie Lucille Almonte, Chiara Permentilla, and Krich Macaslang powered their team to a 25-22 win, forcing the match to extend into a fourth set.
However, the High Speed Hitters answered with a fiery response, as Erika Santos, Savi Davison, Dell Palomata, and Fiola Ceballos led a 16-5 run that sealed the victory.
“Good start pa rin sa amin considering kakabalik lang din ni Savi tapos bagong salang si Angge (Alcantara). Yung performance sayang hindi namin na-straight sets so ‘yun pa ‘yung kailangan namin i-work on siguro,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Davison, returning from a hiatus after missing the previous conference, delivered a team-high 19 points along with nine excellent receptions.
Rookie setter Angge Alcantara thrived in her starting role, contributing 13 excellent sets and leading five High Speed Hitters into double figures, with Davison leading the pack.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tiwala ni coach sa akin. In-embrace ko lang po ‘yung role ko and focus lang talaga,” said Alcantara, who also scored three points.
Erika Santos added 15 points, Fiola Ceballos contributed 13, and Dell Palomata chipped in 10.
Majoy Baron led PLDT’s defense with 14 points, seven of which came from blocks, helping them tally a total of 16 blocks.
The Chameleons, now under the guidance of Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti, dropped their first game of the conference, extending their losing streak to eight games dating back to the Reinforced Conference.
Permentilla led Nxled with 21 points on 21 attacks, along with 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Lycha Ebon also added 15 points, while Almonte contributed nine points and 14 receptions.
Both teams will return to action next Tuesday as the PVL travels to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
PLDT will face Galeries Tower at 6:30 p.m., while Nxled will take on ZUS Coffee at 4:00 p.m.
--//
