Relentless PLDT crushes Capital1 to extend streak to 14, spoil Bella Belen’s official PVL debut

The PLDT High Speed Hitters continue to blur the line between dominance and inevitability. With every match, their rhythm grows tighter, their confidence steadier—and their streak longer.

On Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, PLDT made its latest conquest look routine, sweeping the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23, to notch their 14th consecutive victory across all competitions and open the PVL Reinforced Conference on a commanding note.

But beyond the result, this night belonged to the High Speed Hitters’ newest spark plug — Anastasiia Bavykina. 

The 6-foot-2 Russian debutante wasted no time stamping her presence, powering through Capital1’s defense with 15 points and 10 excellent receptions. Her height, precision, and calm court demeanor instantly added a new layer to an already championship-tested lineup.

If Bavykina was the newest face of PLDT’s evolution, Savi Davison remained the soul of its dominance. The reigning Invitational MVP delivered a masterclass performance with 22 points, seven of which came from her game-high seven blocks, as she anchored the team’s net defense with trademark aggression.

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CAPITAL DUB

PLDT kicked off their PVL Reinforced Conference campaign with a sweep of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Great start. And still lots to learn. Tuloy lang, High Speed Hitters! #PusongPLDT pic.twitter.com/GboypXs3df

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) October 13, 2025

Kianna Dy complemented the assault with 10 points, including four blocks and six kills, while also taking charge of the front line against Capital1 rookie Bella Belen, who made her highly anticipated professional debut.

For Belen, the moment was equal parts challenging and promising. The former UAAP MVP showed flashes of brilliance, scoring 13 points with nine digs, but was often met by PLDT’s disciplined defense.

Her Ukrainian teammate Oleksandra Bytsenko led Capital1 with 20 points and 12 receptions, keeping the Solar Spikers competitive despite the scoreline.

However, Capital1’s debut night took a worrying turn in the third set when captain Roma Mae Doromal collapsed after a dive at the 12-14 mark. The libero was stretchered off the floor, later diagnosed with stomach muscle cramps — a relief for a team still learning to find its footing in the pro ranks.

For PLDT, though, it was business as usual. The High Speed Hitters, now humming like a well-oiled machine under coach Rald Ricafort, have become the PVL’s standard for composure and consistency.

Next up is another test of firepower as they face Choco Mucho on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., still at the Big Dome — a matchup that could push their streak to 15.

Capital1, on the other hand, will try to regroup quickly against Nxled at 4 p.m. on the same day, hoping to turn promise into performance.

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