From UAAP star to PVL champion: Alleiah Malaluan’s enjoys dream debut with PLDT

UAAP standout Alleiah Malaluan made an immediate splash in her professional debut, powering the PLDT High Speed Hitters to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference championship.

PLDT turned back Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University, 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18, on Sunday, August 31, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to secure its second straight PVL title.

Malaluan, who sat out the team’s PVL On Tour preseason triumph due to commitments with Alas Pilipinas, wasted no time making her mark in the final, firing 15 points to cap a dream debut with her first professional crown.

“It’s super fulfilling. I’ve really been waiting for this moment because other rookies have already been playing with their teams, and I’ve been looking forward to having that chance too. So being able to finally play and contribute with the team means a lot. I feel really blessed with everything that’s been coming my way,” Malaluan said during the postgame press conference.

“I’m really happy that I was able to play with the team. The exhaustion, the perseverance—everyone gave so much. Hands down. At the same time, I’m already looking forward to more championships with this team because I know we are capable. I’m just really happy to be playing with this group of teammates. And of course, the coaching staff, they have been so patient, especially with me,” she added.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, Savi Davison, Kath Arado and Alleiah Malaluan after ruling the #PVLInvitational #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/RbZ8s1EAXY

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 31, 2025

The former La Salle Lady Spiker admitted that despite only a few weeks of training with PLDT, the team’s chemistry and trust made the transition seamless.

“I’ve only been training with the team for a few weeks, but they trusted me enough to be part of the starting six. They never left me hanging inside the court, and I really appreciate that. What really stands out is the trust we have in each other. That gives me so much motivation on the court, just seeing my ates working hard, never giving up, never backing down.

“It makes me want to reach that level too. Even on days when I feel off, I kind of just ‘gaslight’ myself in a good way—pushing myself mentally to snap out of it. And that really helps, because I know I play a big role on the court and I have to show up for the team,” Malaluan said.

Drafted ninth overall by PLDT in the second PVL Rookie Draft, Malaluan now sets her sights on building a winning legacy with the franchise.

After years of frustration—failing to win in its first 10 conferences—the High Speed Hitters are finally enjoying their breakthrough era. With back-to-back championships in hand, PLDT is quickly shaping up to be one of the PVL’s newest dynasties in the making.

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