The PLDT High Speed Hitters stunned the erstwhile-unbeaten Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
PLDT averted a meltdown, escaping the erstwhile-undefeated Choco Mucho in a five-set thriller, 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-25, 15-13, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre Tuesday.
The High Speed Hitters had to scramble at the critical juncture of the match after squandering a commanding two-set lead to deal the Flying Titans their first defeat. With Choco Mucho's loss, no team will sweep this conference of the PVL.
A wild swing of momentum ensued in the frenetic fifth set, leading up to a deadlock at 12.
However, PLDT slowly and steadily tipped the scales to its favor after turning to an unlikely hero in Kiesha Bedonia, who hammered down a cross court hit to push her side ahead.
Sisi Rondina responded with an attack of her own to knot the count once more, but Bedonia came through again with a through-the-block hit for match point.
Kat Tolentino then saw her attack sail wide in the ensuing sequence, ending the match.
The crucial escape act pushed the High Speed Hitters to 4-1 for solo fifth, while sending the Flying Titans down to fourth place with an identical card.
Kim Fajardo delivered the goods with 22 excellent sets, on top of eight points.
Savi Davison put up a double-double of 21 points and 16 receptions, while Erika Santos chipped in 14 markers in the winning cause.
Majoy Baron and Dell Palomata contributed eight points each for PLDT, which drew four points from Bedonia.
Meanwhile, Rondina saw her all-around effort of 25 points, 17 receptions and nine digs go down the drain,
Kat Tolentino poured in 18 markers that went for naught, while Thang Ponce collected 33 digs and 17 receptions in the losing cause.
PLDT aims to build on this resounding win when it collides with Farm Fresh, while Choco Mucho seeks to get back on track when it takes on Akari on March 23, Saturday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.