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The PLDT High Speed Hitters. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — PLDT has continued its stellar run in the Premier Volleyball League, stretching its unbeaten record to 11.
This, as the High Speed Hitters rose past Kobe Shinwa University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, in the 2025 PVL Invitational, Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The triumph marked the franchise's best-ever winning run at 11th—but more than that, they also closed in to another Final appearance, more than a week after winning the 2025 PVL on Tour.
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Despite PLDT winning in straight sets, it was a hard-earned success, surviving the 21-point explosion of Nagisa Komatsuda as Savi Davison registered 17 points made on 13 attacks, three blocks and an ace including six excellent digs to pace the On Tour champs.
Rookie sensation Alleiah Malaluan seems to have integrated herself already right after Alas Pilipinas players were released to their mother clubs, listing 12 points and eight excellent receptions to continue her spectacular first-year campaign in the PVL.
What made the difference was the blocking department, with the High Speed Hitters intimidating the visiting Japanese squad on the net, scoring 11 kill blocks as the other side only had one in the one hour, 26-minute match.
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That blocking cancelled out the 51 converted spikes of Kobe Shinwa, despite PLDT only notching 44 attack points.
Mentor Rald Ricafort said he reminded his players of patience against a scrappy Japan side.
"Ang pinaka-in-anticipate is ‘yun nga, i-respect ‘yung laro ng Japan na i-anticipate na namin ‘yung mga long rallies, sobrang gandang floor defense. So ni-remind sa kanila ‘yung patience na na-test na kami nung mga nakaraan," said Ricafort after the game.
"So meron na kaming naging basis, pero ‘yun nga, kakaiba ‘yung ganitong experience. Happy kami na at least nakakua kami ng win against Japan."
PLDT aims a preliminary phase sweep against Zus Coffee on Thursday, while Kobe Shinwa hopes to regain winning ways against Creamline on Tuesday.