PLDT showcased its superior firepower and composure, smothering Farm Fresh with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory to bolster its bid for a strong playoff seeding in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
The win hiked the High Speed Hitters’ record to 6-3, securing solo third place behind the unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers (7-0) and the Petro Gazz Angels (6-1). Meanwhile, the Foxies dropped to 4-5, remaining in ninth place as the race for the top six intensifies.
Savi Davison spearheaded PLDT’s relentless offensive onslaught, delivering her third consecutive 20-plus point performance. Her offensive versatility – whether through powerful spikes, well-placed off-speed shots, or smart plays at the net – kept the Farm Fresh defense scrambling throughout the match.
She finished with 26 points, including the last four points that wrapped up the one-hour, 17-minute encounter.
The Foxies fought valiantly, particularly in the third set, where they managed to lead in the early going and hold PLDT to a tight, intense battle majority of the way. But after Mika Reyes scored on slide and quick attacks to break a 14-all count, the High Speed Hitters racked up 10 of the last 15 points to complete the straight-set victory.
While Davison once again led PLDT’s offense, it was rookie setter Angge Alcantara who provided the spark with 12 excellent sets and four points, including consecutive 1-2 plays in the opening set.
“We prepared well for this game, knowing Farm Fresh wouldn’t go down easily. We’re happy to have dominated,” said Alcantara in Filipino, who emphasized the team’s discipline, focus and responsibility as keys to their strong performance.
She also continues to build chemistry with PLDT’s spikers, particularly Davison, who contributed six excellent receptions.
Reyes tallied 10 points, while Erika Santos, Majoy Baron and Fiola Ceballos chipped in nine, eight and six, respectively, as the Rald Ricafort-coached PLDT outgunned Farm Fresh, 52-31, and doubled its block output with eight.
Farm Fresh struggled, especially Trisha Tubu, who, after a career-high 33-point explosion against Galeries Tower, managed only nine points. She was subbed in and out in the second set as coach Benson Bocboc experimented with new combinations that faltered against PLDT’s well-oiled offense and sturdy defense.
Caitlin Viray finished with six points, while Lorene Toring added five. Jolina Dela Cruz, Rizza Cruz and Rachel Ann Daquis, slowly regaining her form, contributed four points each for the Foxies.
With just a few matches remaining before the knockout phase, every win is crucial for positioning in the standings. PLDT now enjoys a much-needed break before facing defending champions Creamline on Feb. 15 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo – a critical matchup that could shape their playoff seeding.
The High Speed Hitters will then wrap up the prelims against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Feb. 22 at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh faces an uphill battle in its remaining schedule, beginning with a tough clash against Creamline on Feb. 11 at Philsports Arena, followed by a meeting with Capital1 Solar Spikers on Feb. 18.
