PLDT rookie Alleiah Malaluan in action. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — In a rematch of the 2025 PVL on Tour final, PLDT repeated over Chery Tiggo, 25-16 25-14 25-20, this time in the 2025 Invitational on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Alleiah Malaluan immediately made an impact in her first game for PLDT in the PVL, firing 11 points on 10 attacks and one ace to go with 13 excellent digs.
Malaluan and the rest of Alas Pilipinas Women players have now been cleared to play for their home clubs in the pro league.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Women given green light by PNVF to play for their PVL clubs, says Palou
"Sobrang grateful po ako with this opportunity because, siyempre, I’ve been with the team for a few months na, and this experience has been like my stepping stone para magkaroon pa ako ng connection with the team. Kasi, syempre, I need to have that jell sa kanilang lahat," said the La Salle product during the postgame press conference.
To shorten the league run, the PVL on Tour semis results are taken into account, as previously agreed upon by the league and the participating squads.
With this, PLDT has risen to a 2-0 win-loss card, while Chery Tiggo dropped to 1-1.
READ: PLDT overcomes Chery Tiggo in final, snags PVL on Tour title
The High Speed Hitters did this by fielding the second unit, as planned by the coaching staff led by mentor Rald Ricafort.
They played without stars Savi Davison, Kim Kianna Dy, and Kim Fajardo.
"'Yun 'yung goal going to this game, na i-prioritize 'yung health ng players, sila Kim [Fajardo], si Kianna [Dy], actually si Sav [Davison], pinagbihis lang. Ang mas naging goal ay pangalagaan 'yung [health nila], saka magbigay ulit ng opportunity sa mga second unit," said Ricafort.
Majoy Baron, not reeling from the On Tour finale four days ago, showed no signs of slowing down after listing 10 points, while captain and recent Best Libero awardee Kath Arado registered 23 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
No Crossover breached twin-digit scoring, as Cess Robles top-scored the sliding squad with eight points.
PLDT battles sister team Cignal next, scheduled for Saturday, while Chery Tiggo hopes to see daylight against Creamline at the same game date.
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