It took PLDT just a brief moment to adjust to the international spotlight, and once the High Speed Hitters shook off the early jitters, there was no stopping them from asserting their dominance against the Queensland Pirates from Australia.
Displaying power, precision and poise, PLDT steamrolled the young Queensland side from Australia, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday night to seize the early lead in Pool D and closer to the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League at the Philsports Arena.
With the resounding straight-set victory, PLDT silenced any lingering doubts about its readiness for the international stage and, in the process, delivered a bold statement of intent. From a shaky start to a commanding finish, the High Speed Hitters’ dominant debut proved they’re not just here to compete – they're here to contend.
Savi Davison delivered a standout 14-point performance to lead the High Speed Hitters. But for the explosive winger, it wasn’t just about the numbers.
“I think I need to be more than just an attacker in this game – I have to play the role of a leader because this is an international tournament,” said Davison, underscoring the need to elevate her presence beyond scoring.
Facing a young and relatively inexperienced Queensland side, Davison emphasized the importance of returning to fundamentals.
“We had to go back to the basics,” added Davison, who also produced eight excellent digs.
And it worked.
After a shaky start – falling behind 1-6 with their lone point coming from a Pirates miscue – the High Speed Hitters quickly found their rhythm. Drawing from their extensive preparation following an early PVL All-Filipino Conference exit, PLDT shifted gears and never looked back, imposing their will with a dominant all-around game.
Their 38-19 edge in spikes was a clear testament to their firepower, as they overwhelmed the Pirates with a relentless attacking game and solid ball distribution.
Now with one win in Pool D – which includes Thailand’s powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima QminC – the High Speed Hitters are eyeing bigger goals, banking not just on individual brilliance but a unified, battle-ready approach in the tournament backed by federation partners Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.
Riding the momentum from their dominant showing in the first two sets, the High Speed Hitters cruised through the third frame to complete a swift 65-minute sweep – setting the stage for their crucial showdown with the Thais on Tuesday.
The High Speed Hitters' lead ballooned to as many as 13 points in the third set, aided by back-to-back attack errors from Holly Mallet and Amy McCarthy, sealing the match.
“Nag-relax muna. Yung excitement siguro ng pag-join dito yung nanguna, kaya medyo stiff kami nung start ng first set. Alam naman nila kung ano yung igagalaw at ilalaro namin – sadyang ganon lang talaga kasi yung kalaban, nage-effort din lumaban (We relaxed a bit at first. Maybe it was the excitement of joining this tournament that got the better of us, that’s why we were a bit stiff at the start of the first set. They already know what we’re supposed to do and how we’re supposed to play – it’s just that the opponent was also really putting in the effort to fight back),” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
Reyes finished with 11 points built on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, while Wilma Salas rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, along with 15 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Kath Arado, meanwhile, took charge of the floor defense with 11 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
No player from the side of the Pirates finished in double digits. Alisha Stevens tallied eight points, seven excellent digs, and five excellent digs, while Lilyana Stanojevic added eight markers as well in their opening-day loss in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by local partners PLDT, MWell, Eagle Cement, Rebisco, Akari, Gameville, PNVF, PSC, Cignal, and The Look Group.
Meanwhile, the Pirates get the chance to test the Thais at 1 p.m. today (Monday).
Reyes and Davison provided the steadying presence the team needed, while Salas injected much-needed firepower. A flurry of attacks ignited PLDT’s comeback, and the High Speed Hitters seized control, turning the tide and surging ahead 16-12. From that point on, they never looked back.
Middle blocker Majoy Baron anchored the defense with a string of timely blocks, frustrating the Pirates at the net. Meanwhile, Kim Dy, who had been denied on two early attempts, came back with a vengeance, delivering two emphatic power hits late in the set to cap off PLDT’s roaring comeback.
The second set showcased a more composed and cohesive PLDT squad. With the nerves firmly behind them, the High Speed Hitters played with greater poise and precision. A quick hit from Baron broke open a tight contest and gave PLDT a 13-9 lead, which was then extended after a costly attack error by Queensland.
From there, it was all PLDT. The High Speed Hitters executed quick plays and unleashed power hits, mixing in soft attacks to keep the defense guessing. On the other hand, the Pirates, a squad that has won three titles back home, appeared rattled and out of sync, unable to match the intensity and rhythm of their opponents.
