VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Kim Dy could not have asked for a better way to begin her birthday weekend.
Less than a day before turning 31, the PLDT star delivered an impressive all-around performance to lead the High Speed Hitters past a determined Choco Mucho squad, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown on Saturday night at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
The victory gave PLDT a winning start in the preseason tournament, but it was far from the one-sided contest many expected. Facing a Flying Titans team missing several key players, the High Speed Hitters still had to survive a relentless challenge that tested their composure before finally pulling away in the fourth set.
For Dy, however, the night became even more memorable because she was able to celebrate the occasion with the people closest to her watching from the stands.
Her mother, Bambi, sisters Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika all made the long trip from Manila to Vigan to witness the match, while Gilas Pilipinas standout Dwight Ramos, Dy’s boyfriend, was also present. Ramos shares family roots with nearby Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, making the visit even more meaningful.
Considering the lengthy travel required to reach Vigan, Dy admitted she was deeply touched by the effort her loved ones made just to spend her birthday weekend with her.
“I really appreciate them because the travel here is not easy and it takes seven hours going here and they’re here to watch my game and celebrate my birthday tomorrow,” Dy said after the victory.
The emotional support seemed to fuel another outstanding performance from the veteran outside hitter.
Dy finished with a match-high 17 points, built on 16 successful attacks and one block, while also providing stability on both ends of the floor whenever PLDT found itself under pressure. Her consistent offense and leadership earned her Player of the Game honors as the High Speed Hitters opened their campaign on a winning note.
Balanced Attack Carries PLDT
Although Dy led all scorers, PLDT’s victory was a product of balanced contributions throughout the lineup.
Import Savi Davison scored 13 points despite playing only three sets, giving the High Speed Hitters another reliable scoring option. Veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes added 12 points and delivered several crucial quick attacks during the tense third set, while fellow middle blocker Majoy Baron chipped in 10 markers.
Alleiah Malaluan and Kiesha Bedonia also came up with timely hits, particularly during the closing stages of the match when PLDT needed to keep Choco Mucho from building momentum.
The victory placed the High Speed Hitters alongside Creamline and Galeries Tower with identical 1-0 records in the PVL On Tour standings, while ZUS Coffee remained the early pace-setter after collecting two wins.
Flying Titans Display Incredible Fight
Despite dropping to 0-2 in the tournament, Choco Mucho proved that it remains one of the PVL’s most dangerous teams regardless of who is available on the roster.
The Flying Titans entered the match without national team stars Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, while veteran scorer Kat Tolentino continues to recover after surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Even with those major absences, Choco Mucho refused to back down against one of the league’s deepest squads.
Instead, the Flying Titans relied on hustle, disciplined defense, and fearless attacking to keep the defending champions within reach throughout the contest.
Caitlyn Viray led Choco Mucho with 16 points, consistently finding openings against PLDT’s blockers. Isa Molde followed with 14 points, while Jewel Encarnacion, Mean Mendez, and Ayesha Juegos combined for another 24 markers.
Their relentless effort forced PLDT into one of its toughest matches despite the difference in roster depth.
Third Set Becomes the Match’s Defining Moment
The biggest turning point arrived during a dramatic third set that showcased the determination of both squads.
After splitting the opening two sets, PLDT appeared ready to seize control after building a commanding 16-8 advantage behind Dy’s offensive surge and improved transition play.
However, Choco Mucho responded with one of the most remarkable comebacks of the evening.
The Flying Titans chipped away at the deficit through aggressive serving, outstanding floor defense, and timely attacks before Viray eventually blasted a spike that tied the score at 24-all.
From there, the set transformed into a thrilling battle of nerves.
Every rally carried enormous importance, with both teams exchanging spectacular digs and clutch kills.
Choco Mucho even moved within one point of stealing the frame after Molde gave her team a 26-25 lead.
PLDT, however, challenged the play and successfully proved there had been a block touch on Bedonia’s attack. The overturned call gave the High Speed Hitters a second chance they would not waste.
Veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes immediately capitalized, scoring consecutive quick attacks through the middle to put PLDT back in front.
Moments later, Malaluan delivered the decisive blow with a clean down-the-line attack that finally ended the marathon set, 29-27.
The emotional victory completely shifted the momentum in PLDT’s favor.
Strong Finish Secures the Victory
After surviving the third-set scare, the High Speed Hitters entered the fourth frame with renewed confidence.
Dy continued to lead the offense while Malaluan, Bedonia, and Baron provided steady support on both offense and defense.
PLDT gradually widened the gap behind disciplined blocking and improved floor coverage, preventing Choco Mucho from mounting another comeback.
The High Speed Hitters eventually stretched their advantage to 19-13 before maintaining control the rest of the way.
Dy fittingly scored the match-ending point, capping a memorable performance in front of family and friends.
Dy Already Looking Ahead
While pleased with the victory, Dy believes the High Speed Hitters still have plenty of work to do before the official 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League season begins.
She credited Choco Mucho for making life difficult despite its depleted lineup and praised her teammates for stepping up when the match reached its most crucial moments.
“It was really an intense game, one-is-to-one talaga, and Choco Mucho mahirap talaga silang kalaban. Buti na lang ‘yung mga pumasok talagang nag-perform. Obviously, we need to work on a lot of things for our next games. Pagbalik ng Manila, adjust ulit,” Dy said.
COURTESY: PVL
Her comments reflected PLDT’s mindset despite opening the tournament with a victory.
The High Speed Hitters may have secured their first win, but the performance also exposed areas they hope to improve as the preseason continues.
For Choco Mucho, the loss served as another reminder of the team’s resilience. Even without three of its primary offensive weapons, the Flying Titans pushed one of the league’s strongest teams to the limit and showed they remain capable of competing against any opponent.
For PLDT, meanwhile, escaping such a demanding opener may prove invaluable. The High Speed Hitters not only collected their first victory of the PVL On Tour but also gained an early lesson in perseverance—one that could benefit them when the stakes become even higher later in the season.
