PLDT shuts down Chery Tiggo’s payback bid with dominant sweep

The PLDT High Speed Hitters spoiled Chery Tiggo’s bid for payback, pulling off a dominant 25-16, 25-14, 25-20 sweep in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

Rookie outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan, PLDT’s ninth overall pick in the draft, made an immediate impact in her professional debut. Coming off the bench, the former De La Salle Lady Spiker tallied 11 points along with 13 digs and nine excellent receptions, showing flashes of her all-around potential just a week after seeing action with Alas Pilipinas.

“I’m super grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been with the team for a few months now, and this experience has been a stepping stone for me to build a stronger connection with everyone. I really need that chemistry with the whole team,” Malaluan shared in Filipino.

Her energy proved timely for PLDT, who played minus key cogs Savannah Davison, Kianna Dy, and Kim Fajardo, all given a much-needed breather after the squad’s grueling PVL On Tour championship run.

 Even so, the High Speed Hitters notched their second straight win of the conference, extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches dating back to the preseason.

Malaluan entered the match late in the opening set and wasted no time asserting herself, delivering three of the team’s last four points to lock in the frame.

“I had such mixed emotions. I was excited and nervous at the same time. So I just told myself, ‘Alright, just hit the ball and go for it.’ And thankfully, it turned out okay,” she said.

FIRST GAME, A-GAME

PVL rookie Alleiah Malaluan’s pro career is off to a great start as she top scored for PLDT in her debut with 11 points with 13 digs and nine receptions to boot.

NOW THAT’S OUR TOP PICK! #PusongPLDT pic.twitter.com/AQFiPGNJBn

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) August 21, 2025

“While I was training with Alas, I still joined PLDT’s practices. I made sure to observe everything—watch the game viewings, study the plays, and really absorb everything the coaches were saying.”

With the Crossovers threatening at 18-20 in the third set, Malaluan joined forces with Mika Reyes, Angge Alcantara, and Jessey De Leon to close the door, anchoring a scorching 6-0 finishing run that sealed the sweep.

Veterans also stepped up for PLDT: Majoy Baron contributed 10 points, De Leon impressed with nine in her first start, while Mika Reyes chipped in eight. Alcantara orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets while adding five points of her own. Defensive ace Kath Arado once again manned the floor with 23 digs and seven excellent receptions.

“That was really the goal going into this game, to prioritize the players’ health, like Kim, Kianna, and actually even Sav, who we just suited up but didn’t plan to play,” explained PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort. “The main focus was taking care of them and also giving the second unit a chance to step up. And finally, one of the reinforcements we’ve been waiting for Alleiah Malaluan.”

On the other side, Chery Tiggo struggled to find consistent firepower, with no player breaching double figures. Cess Robles topscored with eight, while Ara Galang and Shaya Adorador managed six apiece. With Jasmine Nabor sidelined, Joyme Cagande handled the playmaking duties, recording eight excellent sets. Defensive specialist Jen Nierva made her return, tallying 18 digs and nine excellent receptions in a losing effort.

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