Though her four-point contribution might seem modest at first glance, within the five-set battle against the previously unbeaten Choco Mucho, Kiesha Bedonia's impact proved monumental.
As the game unfolded at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Bedonia, a rookie hailing from Far Eastern University, was strategically inserted into the lineup during the fourth set.
Despite scoring just one point during that period, her presence sparked a turnaround, with the Flying Titans dominating 25-11.
Yet, it was in the decisive fifth set where Bedonia's contributions truly shone.
She delivered three crucial points, including a game-changing hit that turned the tides of the game.
Reflecting on her performance, Bedonia expressed joy in her contribution to the team's hunger for victory, attributing their success to rigorous training and a collective desire to win.
For head coach Rald Ricafort, Bedonia's inclusion was a calculated gamble, one that paid off handsomely.
Emphasizing the team's strategy in the offseason, Ricafort underscored their focus on acquiring players with both immediate impact and long-term potential.
"It's not just about filling slots in the offseason," Ricafort explained.
"We seek out individuals who can truly bolster our team's performance, even in the face of formidable opponents like Choco Mucho. The loss of key players to our competitors was significant, but our recruitment efforts aimed to compensate for that loss and ensure our team's competitiveness."
Beyond Bedonia, PLDT's roster boasted other noteworthy additions, including rookie Shiela Kiseo and former F2 Logistics stars Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, and Kianna Dy.
Despite Dy's ongoing recovery from injury, their collective efforts contributed to a resounding victory that catapulted PLDT into a five-way tie for the top spot in the standings.
Ricafort's confidence in Bedonia's abilities remains unwavering.
"She may appear shy and youthful, but she is what you call, ‘ball is life’,” he remarked. "We know she's capable of delivering when it matters most."
