Alleiah Malaluan’s breakthrough fuels PLDT’s urgent push in PVL semifinals

Pressure has a way of revealing who a player truly is and for Alleiah Malaluan, the PVL semifinals have become her proving ground.

In just her rookie season, Malaluan is quickly stepping into a bigger role for PLDT, not by chance but by necessity. With the High Speed Hitters opening their semifinal campaign with a tough loss, the young outside hitter now finds herself at the center of a team fighting to keep its title hopes alive.

Their five-set clash against the Creamline Cool Smashers was as grueling as it gets on a rollercoaster match that stretched to the limit before slipping away, 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 26-28, 10-15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

But amid the heartbreak, Malaluan delivered a performance that signaled her arrival.

She poured in a career-high 23 points, anchored on 19 attacks and four kill blocks, while also contributing heavily on defense with 11 excellent digs and 26 excellent receptions. 

It was the kind of all-around effort that coaches trust and teammates rally behind, especially in moments that define a season.

“What I think worked for me during our game against Creamline is that I always reminded myself to stay focused and calm. At the same time, I kept in mind the instructions given to me by the coaches,” the ninth overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft said.

That composure was tested in front of a roaring 12,441-strong crowd, but Malaluan leaned on discipline rather than emotion. 

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MUST WIN FOR FOXIES, HIGH SPEED HITTERS!

: FARM FRESH vs. PLDT HOME FIBER
: First serve is at 4:00 p.m.
: https://t.co/qySyx22L1B

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live
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— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) April 13, 2026

The result wasn’t the win PLDT wanted, but it offered something just as important heading into a critical stretch—belief.

Now sitting at 0-1 in the round-robin semifinals, PLDT has no room for hesitation. Their path forward is clear but unforgiving, win or go home. Their next challenge comes against the Farm Fresh Foxies, followed by a showdown with the surging Cignal HD Spikers—two matches that will ultimately decide their fate.

Malaluan won’t be alone in carrying the load. Savi Davison backed her up with 22 points and solid floor coverage, while Kianna Dy added 16 markers and Majoy Baron chipped in 10 in their previous game. 

“I will try my best to keep reminding myself of what I am capable of and to just play, knowing that I am guided by my coaches and teammates on the court,” Malaluan said.

For PLDT, survival in the semifinals hinges not just on tactics or execution, but on the ability to respond under pressure. And for Malaluan, this stretch is more than just a test—it’s an opportunity to transform a breakout performance into a defining chapter.

The High Speed Hitters return to the court on April 14 at 4:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with everything on the line.

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