PLDT stays unbeaten, outduels Bella Belen’s 28-point night

If the early stretch of the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference is any indication, PLDT is not relying on a single superstar to carry the load.

The High Speed Hitters are building something more sustainable — rhythm, balance, and defensive bite.

On Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, PLDT showcased that identity in a four-set win over Capital1, 25-20, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17. It was their second straight convincing victory to open the tournament, proof that their dismantling of a full-strength Creamline side a week ago was no fluke.

At the center of it all was Kim Fajardo, orchestrating like a seasoned conductor. Her 25 excellent sets ensured that PLDT’s offense never stagnated. The ball moved with purpose. The attacks came from different angles. Capital1 could not lock in on just one threat.

Savi Davison and Kianna Dy made sure of that.

Davison once again delivered across multiple fronts, finishing with 20 points on 17 attacks while adding 11 receptions — a two-way presence that kept the Solar Spikers guessing. Dy matched her output with 20 markers of her own, hammering 16 spikes and rejecting four attempts at the net.

And when PLDT smells separation, it strikes quickly.

After a competitive opening set, the High Speed Hitters ripped the match open with an 8-1 surge in the second frame. What was once a slim 8-5 lead ballooned into a commanding 16-6 cushion. From there, the tone shifted. PLDT wasn’t just scoring — it was dictating. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

STILL FAST, STILL FURIOUS

Kim Kianna Dy and the PLDT High Speed Hitters outlast the Capital1 Solar Spikers in four sets to keep their flawless run alive in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.#PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/kgCOy21cOz

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 12, 2026

Still, Capital1 had Bella Belen, now the league’s leading scorer refused to fade quietly, unloading nine points in the third set alone to extend the match. By the end of the night, she tallied a conference-best 28 points, all but two from attacks, while also contributing 12 receptions. Through three games, she is averaging 25.67 points — elite production despite her team’s struggles.

But this contest highlighted a telling contrast.

While Belen shone individually, PLDT thrived collectively, Majoy Baron chipped in 11 points, including five of the team’s 15 blocks, as the High Speed Hitters turned the net into a wall. Aside from Belen, Capital1 struggled to find consistent offense against PLDT’s suffocating defensive schemes, only Shaya Adorador was the other Solar Spiker who scored double-digits with 13. 

The fourth set became a statement. Order was restored. Control reestablished. Momentum preserved.

With the victory, PLDT improved to 2-0 and moved into a tie for second with Nxled in the conference’s early standings. More importantly, they reinforced a blueprint that travels well in long tournaments: diversified scoring, disciplined defense, and a steady hand at setter.

If the High Speed Hitters continue to win the battle of balance over brilliance, they won’t just be early contenders — they’ll be built for the grind of the entire conference.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!