The fourth seed PLDT High Speed Hitters aim to end the improbable run of the top seed Akari Chargers in their do-or-die PVL Reinforced Conference semifinal showdown.
Could’ve, should’ve, would’ve.
The last four conferences since 2023 saw the PLDT High Speed Hitters either crash out in the semifinals or fall short of making it to the final four.
Hoping to finally get over the hump, the High Speed Hitters are looking to get their maiden PVL Finals appearance with the number one seed Akari Chargers standing in their way.
[ALSO READ: Akari vs. PLDT: PVL Finals breakthrough looms in this fresh playoff pairing]
Let’s revisit how PLDT weaved their way into the semifinal round:
Speed-Dial Start
The PLDT High Speed Hitters found themselves grouped with powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, Farm Fresh Foxies, Galeries Tower Highrisers, and Nxled Chameleons in Pool A.
Already missing the services of recovering superstar Kim Kianna Dy, things got rough for the High Speed Hitters when they lost another key piece in high-scoring hitter Savi Davison due to a knee injury.
[ALSO READ: PVL: PLDT's Savi Davison likely to miss Reinforced Conference due to knee injury]
Nevertheless, the High Speed Hitters opened the import-laden conference with a five-set thriller against the Cool Smashers with returning import Elena Samoilenko exploding for 34 points.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Savi Davison-less PLDT downs undermanned Creamline in 5 sets to open Reinforced Conference]
PLDT then racked up a string of wins against Galeries Tower and Nxled for an impressive 3-0 start.
However, the High Speed Hitters suffered their first loss at the hands of the Crossovers in a marathon five-set encounter.
They recovered quickly with a sweep of the Foxies for a 4-1 record, good for a top 2 seed in Pool A behind the Cool Smashers, while bringing a winning momentum heading to the crossover phase.
[ALSO READ: PVL: PLDT bounces back, makes quick work of Farm Fresh to cap off final pool A game on a high]
Maintaining Stable Connection
Alongside the Cool Smashers and the Crossovers, erstwhile two-time defending champion Petro Gazz Angels, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles joined the High Speed Hitters in Pool C.
Much like their last outing, the High Speed Hitters easily dispatched the Thunderbelles before stumbling against the Angels in five grueling games in their next game.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Wilma Salas, Brooke Van Sickle combine for 72 points as Petro Gazz picks up crucial win over PLDT]
In their final preliminary game, the High Speed Hitters shut the playoff doors on the Flying Titans, taking the number four seed heading into the playoffs with a 6-2 record.
[ALSO READ: PVL: PLDT crushes Choco Mucho’s quarterfinal hopes in Reinforced Conference]
Dialing Up
In the knockout quarterfinals, PLDT found a familiar foe in Chery Tiggo, as the vengeful High Speed Hitters seek revenge from their earlier meeting in the pool phase.
And just like in their first encounter, it went down the wire in a full five-set extension.
But this time around, the High Speed Hitters emerged victorious after rallying from a 2-1 set deficit to arrange a semifinal clash with top seed Akari Chargers.
[ALSO READ: PVL playoffs: Elena Samoilenko, PLDT escape Chery Tiggo to advance to Reinforced Conference semis]
Samoilenko once again made her presence felt with a game-leading 37 point outing with the likes of Fiola Ceballos, Majoy Baron, and team captain Mika Reyes also stepping up to the plate.
Kim Fajardo also starred and orchestrated a smooth-sailing PLDT offense thanks to her 23 excellent sets.
Players to Watch
In hopes of finally getting over the hump, PLDT tapped the services anew of the in Samoilenko, who played with the squad two years ago.
So far, so good.
The 6-foot-4 Russian flaunted her offensive prowess all tournament long, placing inside the top five of the scoring category and was among the top 10 spikers after the preliminary rounds.
The Baron-Fajardo-Dy trio’s star-studded entry to PLDT made headlines earlier this year as one of the offseason’s biggest moves.
And so far, two thirds of that three signings are proving their worth, with Baron and Fajardo rounding up their playoff form with strong performances in the quarterfinal round.
[ALSO READ: Adjustment to fit in pays off for Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron as PLDT nears breakthrough PVL championship]
Reyes also seems comfortable playing pain-free anew for the first time after months of dealing with a right shoulder injury.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Mika Reyes proud of recovery progress, aims higher as PLDT nears title goal in Reinforced Conference]
When all is said and done, can PLDT answer their calling card and go all the way?
The semifinal match will start at 2:30 p.m. and will air on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.