PLDT capped its two-game PVL On Tour Showdown campaign with another hard-earned victory as the High Speed Hitters outlasted Akari, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-10, on Saturday at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
While Savi Davison led PLDT’s scoring attack with 22 points, it was Kath Arado who earned Player of the Game honors after delivering a superb defensive performance in front of her home crowd.
Arado finished with 19 excellent digs, anchoring PLDT’s floor defense throughout the two-hour, 15-minute contest and helping the High Speed Hitters survive Akari’s biggest rallies.
The homecoming made the performance even more special for Arado, who was able to play in front of her family and supporters.
Arado Shines in Front of Home Crowd
Arado’s 19 excellent digs proved crucial as PLDT navigated a match filled with momentum swings.
The veteran libero repeatedly kept rallies alive, allowing PLDT’s hitters to convert defensive plays into scoring opportunities. Her presence in the back row was particularly important whenever Akari attempted to build momentum.
After the match, Arado shared that her family has always been one of her biggest motivations throughout her volleyball career.
Playing before them in Lanao del Norte gave her an added source of inspiration, and she responded with the kind of defensive performance that earned her Player of the Game recognition.
While the spotlight often falls on the players delivering powerful attacks, Arado showed how important defensive consistency can be in winning a four-set battle.
PLDT Dominates the Opening Set
The High Speed Hitters immediately seized control in the opening frame.
PLDT’s offense found its rhythm early while its defense prevented Akari from establishing a consistent attack.
The High Speed Hitters quickly built a comfortable lead and never allowed the Chargers to mount a serious comeback.
PLDT eventually closed out the opening set, 25-14.
However, the second set proved to be a completely different story.
High Speed Hitters Survive Massive Second-Set Scare
Akari looked poised to even the match after taking a 22-16 advantage in the second set.
PLDT struggled with its attack, while several miscues disrupted the team’s rhythm.
But instead of surrendering the frame, the High Speed Hitters responded with a crucial 3-0 run.
Two Akari errors helped PLDT cut into the deficit, forcing the Chargers to call timeout.
The stoppage failed to stop PLDT’s momentum.
The High Speed Hitters produced another three-point burst to tie the set at 22, with Kim Fajardo adding an ace to complete the run.
Akari suddenly found itself under pressure despite holding a six-point advantage just moments earlier.
Ivy Lacsina tried to put the Chargers back in control with consecutive clutch plays, including a powerful attack and a block against Kim Dy.
PLDT answered immediately.
Fajardo connected with Majoy Baron for a quick attack, while Dy responded with a powerful hit after her earlier attempt had been blocked.
Fajardo then found Davison from the left side, giving PLDT the lead and set point.
Akari had one final opportunity to extend the frame, but Eli Soyud’s attack sailed long.
PLDT escaped with a 26-24 victory and took a 2-0 lead.
Akari Fights Back in the Third
The Chargers refused to go away.
Akari came out with renewed energy in the third set and managed to put PLDT under pressure once again.
The two teams battled through a tense closing stretch before Akari secured a 22-20 advantage.
The premium-ball opportunity became another pivotal moment.
PLDT went to Davison, but Akari’s defense held firm. A long exchange eventually ended with a PLDT error, putting Akari at set point, 24-20.
Dy saved one set point with a powerful attack, but Akari eventually closed the frame when Davison committed a net violation.
The Chargers won the third set, 25-21, cutting PLDT’s lead to 2-1.
PLDT Slams the Door in the Fourth
Any hopes of an Akari comeback disappeared quickly in the fourth set.
PLDT regained control and steadily pulled away as its defense and attack clicked together.
The High Speed Hitters also benefited from a crucial video challenge involving Risa Sato.
Sato appeared to score on an attack off a PLDT overpass, which would have brought Akari within 20-22.
However, video review showed that Sato had touched the net.
The point was overturned, giving PLDT a 23-19 advantage.
The decision proved to be a major turning point.
Davison then delivered a thunderous kill to put PLDT at match point, 24-20.
Akari could not respond.
Sato’s final attempt slipped off her hands, ending the match and giving PLDT a 25-10 fourth-set victory.
Davison Leads PLDT’s Offense
Davison finished as PLDT’s top scorer with 22 points, providing the firepower that complemented Arado’s defensive work.
Dy added nine points, while Reyes, Malaluan, Baron and Prada each contributed six.
PLDT also won the battle at the net, finishing with nine blocks compared with Akari’s two.
The High Speed Hitters outhit the Chargers, 54-46.
Both teams, however, struggled with errors. PLDT committed 29 miscues, while Akari committed 31.
PLDT’s ability to capitalize on Akari’s mistakes ultimately proved decisive.
Akari Ends On Tour Campaign 1-2
Nisperos led Akari with 12 points, while Tagaod added eight.
Lacsina and Soltones both finished with seven points, but PLDT’s defensive pressure made it difficult for the Chargers’ key offensive weapons to maintain consistency.
Akari ended its PVL On Tour Showdown campaign with a 1-2 record.
The Chargers showed plenty of fight, particularly during the second and third sets, but they could not sustain their momentum against a PLDT side that consistently responded whenever the match became difficult.
Arado Leads the Way
For PLDT, the victory provided another valuable confidence boost ahead of the regular season.
Davison supplied the offense, Fajardo orchestrated the attack, and the middle blockers protected the net.
But it was Kath Arado’s defensive brilliance that earned her Player of the Game honors.
Her 19 excellent digs showcased the importance of defense in PLDT’s four-set victory and made her homecoming performance one to remember.
In front of her family and home crowd, Arado delivered exactly what the High Speed Hitters needed—energy, consistency and the ability to keep seemingly lost rallies alive.
PLDT leaves Tubod with another victory and plenty of momentum, while Arado leaves as the night’s standout performer.
