PLDT Home Fiber High Speed Hitters strengthened their semifinal campaign with a four-set victory over Galeries Tower on Saturday, Nov. 14, keeping their place in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference race alive.
PLDT defeated the Highrisers, 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The win lifted the High Speed Hitters to a 4-3 record and set up a crucial Nov. 19 meeting with Choco Mucho, another team holding the same record.
The result was important, but it did not secure PLDT a place in the Final Four. With three semifinal spots still available and several teams competing for them, the upcoming match could become one of the most important assignments of PLDT’s elimination-round campaign.
Kath Arado anchors PLDT’s response against Galeries Tower
PLDT needed a strong response after suffering a five-set defeat to Farm Fresh on Nov. 10. Its match against Galeries Tower provided an opportunity to recover, but the Highrisers made the contest more difficult than the final score might suggest.
The High Speed Hitters controlled the opening two sets, winning 25-13 and 25-23. Galeries Tower answered in the third, taking it 25-23 and extending the match.
PLDT regained control in the fourth set, closing out the match 25-18.
Kathleen Faith Arado played a major role in the defensive effort. The PLDT libero recorded 22 digs and earned Player of the Game recognition.
The official match report also credited Arado with helping stabilise the team’s floor defence as Galeries Tower attempted to extend the contest.
Her performance highlighted an important part of PLDT’s game: maintaining defensive organisation even when an opponent finds ways to disrupt its rhythm.
Savi Davison leads the attack as PLDT controls the net
Savi Davison remained a major offensive contributor, finishing with 21 points and 16 receptions. Her scoring helped PLDT maintain pressure against a Galeries Tower side that refused to surrender after losing the first two sets.
Kim Dy and Dell Palomata added 10 points each, while Jessa Ordiales contributed eight.
PLDT’s advantage was also visible in the team statistics. The High Speed Hitters produced 57 attack points against Galeries Tower’s 47 and held a 14-7 advantage in blocks.
They also collected 23 free points, although they committed 21 errors.
The numbers show why PLDT managed to close out the match despite losing the third set. Its advantage at the net and stronger attacking output helped restore control in the final frame.
Davison, however, was unable to finish the match after landing awkwardly late in the fourth set and sustaining a slight ankle injury. The official match report described the injury as slight; no further medical assessment or return timetable was provided.
Her condition is therefore worth monitoring ahead of the Choco Mucho match, but it would be premature to assume she will miss the next game.
Why the Choco Mucho match matters
PLDT’s victory brought its record to 4-3, placing it level with Choco Mucho. Both teams are chasing a place in the semifinal round, making their Nov. 19 encounter a direct contest between two teams with similar records.
The PVL’s published standings after the Nov. 14 matches placed Nxled first at 6-0, followed by Farm Fresh at 5-2 and Creamline at 4-2. PLDT and Choco Mucho were next, both carrying 4-3 records.
Nxled had already secured a semifinal berth, leaving three places to be contested.
The league’s schedule lists PLDT against Choco Mucho at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The matchup is particularly important because both sides have an opportunity to strengthen their position against a direct competitor.
PLDT has previously produced significant results against established PVL opponents. Its earlier four-set victory over Creamline showed that the High Speed Hitters can deliver under pressure, although the current conference presents a different set of standings and challenges.
PLDT must address consistency before the next test
Winning against Galeries Tower was a positive step, but the match also exposed areas PLDT needs to improve.
The High Speed Hitters dominated the opening set before allowing their opponents to become more competitive in the second and take the third. Against a stronger contender, losing momentum in that manner could become more costly.
Arado acknowledged the need for improvement after the match, pointing to service adjustments as an important factor in the victory. She also stressed that the team cannot afford to become complacent against Choco Mucho.
That warning is relevant because the Flying Titans have also been building momentum. Their five-set victory over Creamline on Nov. 12 gave them the same 4-3 record as PLDT.
The two teams therefore enter their next meeting with comparable win-loss records, but different recent results. PLDT is coming off a four-set victory, while Choco Mucho is coming off a five-set win over one of the conference’s leading teams.
The challenge for PLDT is to carry its stronger attacking and blocking numbers into the next match while limiting errors and sustaining its defensive intensity.
The importance of consistent development also extends beyond the professional league. WWC has previously covered the PLDT-Creamline bronze-medal rivalry and the wider growth of Philippine volleyball through collegiate and grassroots competitions.
What happens next
PLDT is scheduled to face Choco Mucho at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The match will be a major opportunity for both teams to improve their semifinal positions. A victory would strengthen the winner’s campaign, while a defeat would leave the losing side with less room for error in the remaining elimination-round schedule.
For PLDT, the immediate priorities are clear: maintain its defensive discipline, keep its attacking production steady and monitor Davison’s condition ahead of the match.
The win over Galeries Tower kept the High Speed Hitters in contention. Their next assignment will show whether they can turn that opportunity into a stronger position in the Final Four race.
Frequently asked questions
Did PLDT qualify for the PVL semifinals after beating Galeries Tower?
No. The victory improved PLDT’s record to 4-3, but it did not guarantee a semifinal place.
What was the score of PLDT’s match against Galeries Tower?
PLDT won in four sets, 25-13, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18.
Who was PLDT’s Player of the Game?
Libero Kathleen Faith Arado earned the recognition after recording 22 digs.
When will PLDT play Choco Mucho?
The match is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
What is PLDT’s record after the Galeries Tower victory?
PLDT improved to 4 wins and 3 losses, level with Choco Mucho in the published standings.
