PLDT coach Ricafort welcomes ‘big challenge’ as PLDT awaits finals foe in PVL Invitational

PLDT capped its elimination-round run in style, overcoming a slow start before dispatching ZUS Coffee in four sets, 24-26, 25-17, 25-17, 25-14, to beat the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational preliminaries on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The High Speed Hitters recovered quickly after dropping the opening frame, finding their rhythm through their balanced attack and floor defense. Savannah Davison led the way with 26 points, including 24 kills and two blocks, on top of 12 excellent digs and seven receptions.

Kianna Dy provided steady scoring with 13 points from 11 kills and two service aces, while middle blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata combined for five blocks and chipped in 11 markers each. Rookie Alleiah Malaluan also shone with nine points and 18 excellent receptions, while setter Kim Fajardo tallied 23 excellent sets to go with three points. Libero Kath Arado anchored the backline with 20 digs.

“Yon nga, siguro ‘yung reminders lang talaga na ‘wag masyadong malayo ‘yung tingin muna. Like ‘yon nga, ‘yung respect sa kalaban, ‘yung complacency kailangan talagang tanggalin, saka kailangan talaga i-push kasi sagad na sagad na talaga ‘yung mga tao,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.

With the victory, PLDT completed a 5-0 sweep of the eliminations and extended its winning streak to 12 matches dating back to their preseason championship run.

TO OUR SECOND CONSECUTIVE FINALS APPEARANCE, WE GO

With five wins after the eliminations, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are headed to another championship match happening on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum!

SEE YOU THERE, TEAM PLDT! #PusongPLDT pic.twitter.com/8hvk6fGJST

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 28, 2025

The Thunderbelles, meanwhile, dropped to 0-4 and bowed out of the bronze medal race despite solid outings from Wielyn Estoque and Dolly Versoza.

The defending Invitational champions will now await their opponent in Sunday’s one-game championship — either Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University or Chery Tiggo. Ricafort acknowledged that both potential challengers will test PLDT’s mettle.

“Whoever we face, it will be a big challenge,” he said, adding that the team is eager to use the rare two-day break to balance recovery and training.

“For the last two games, hindi na kami halos nakakaensayo. I mean, ‘yung mga in between days mas pinipili namin mag-off. Tapos nagpapapawis na lang kami sa morning,” Ricafort explained.

“At least ngayon, coming to Sunday, magagawa namin siya pareho. Rest bukas, training Saturday. By Sunday sana, nakatrabaho kami at the same time ‘di kami sana gano’n kapagod.”

With their Finals ticket secured, PLDT’s quest for back-to-back titles comes down to one last match — and Ricafort believes the team will be ready to deliver.

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