The PLDT High Speed Hitters finally ended their heartbreak streak by capturing their first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) title. In front of over 11,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, PLDT outlasted Chery Tiggo in a five-set thriller, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, to win the 2025 PVL on Tour championship.
It was a historic night for the High Speed Hitters, who joined the PVL in 2021 and had never reached the finals until now. After squandering a two-set lead, the team regrouped in the deciding frame behind Savi Davison and Finals MVP Mika Reyes to secure the long-awaited crown and complete a perfect tournament run.
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A Breakthrough Win
Davison powered PLDT with a game-high 23 points, continuing her stellar performance after her 34-point explosion in the semifinals against Creamline. Reyes, who recorded a career-best 20 points built on 13 kills and seven blocks, delivered in the clutch to earn the Finals MVP award. The championship point was sealed by Kianna Dy’s block on Cess Robles, sparking celebrations among PLDT’s faithful supporters.
“Happy and proud that until the last set, the girls showed exactly what we wanted, they became stronger and braver. Very proud of their performance. Mika played incredible tonight. And Sav, as always, delivered,” coach Rald Ricafort expressed in Filipino during the championship presser.
Reyes credited her teammates for the victory, noting how the team’s chemistry and grit pulled them through the toughest moments of the match. Dy and Majoy Baron also contributed 13 points each, while team captain Kath Arado anchored the defense with 29 digs and 13 excellent receptions. Veteran setter Kim Fajardo displayed vintage form with 25 excellent sets to orchestrate the offense.
A Hard-Fought Game
For Chery Tiggo, it was still a meaningful return to the finals since their 2021 Open Conference championship inside the Bacarra bubble. Ara Galang shone with 22 points and eight digs, while Robles added 12 points, but the Crossovers fell short against PLDT’s balanced attack and relentless defense.
The victory capped an eight-game sweep of the On Tour series for PLDT, which coach Ricafort emphasized was never treated as a “preseason” competition. With their first crown now secured, the High Speed Hitters set their sights on the upcoming Invitational Conference, where they will face Creamline, Cignal, Chery Tiggo, and visiting Japanese squads.
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