PLDT, Farm Fresh score sweeps to ignite PVL quarterfinal race

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PLDT and Farm Fresh turned in dominant performances in the PVL On Tour in Cebu Saturday, July 26, 2025, clinching a quarterfinal slot and forcing a virtual playoff, respectively, in front of a packed crowd at the USJ-Recoletos Coliseum.

The High Speed Hitters became the first team in Pool A to secure an outright ticket to the quarterfinals after sweeping previously unbeaten Nxled, 25-11, 25-17, 25-21, in a one-hour, 32-minute display of power and discipline.

Farm Fresh followed with a clinical 27-25, 25-17, 25-18 victory over winless Galeries Tower to extend its winning streak to three and set up a do-or-die duel against Nxled on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. for the last automatic quarterfinal berth.

“We just played our game and executed what we’ve been training for—and now we’re seeing the results,” said PLDT’s Majoy Baron, who finished with 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks.

Kiesha Bedonia led all scorers with 15 points, while Kim Dy and Mika Reyes added nine each. Setter Kim Fajardo contributed 18 excellent sets despite late third-set jitters.

PLDT outclassed Nxled in attacks (40-29), blocks (13-5), and aces (5-0). The High Speed Hitters raced to a 17-3 lead in the first set, shut down Nxled’s rally in the second, and held steady in the third despite a late Chameleons surge.

Bedonia sealed the match with a crosscourt hit confirmed by video challenge, moments after a long rally brought them to match point.

Nxled’s three-game win streak came to a halt as the Chameleons slipped to 3-1. EJ Carino led with 11 points, while Lyann De Guzman was held to nine. Jovielyn Fernandez added five as the team struggled to find rhythm against PLDT’s wall of blockers.

In the second game, the Farm Fresh Foxies showed grit and balance, outlasting Galeries Tower in a tight opening set before cruising in the next two frames to stay in contention with a 3-1 record.

Trisha Tubu delivered 14 points—13 off attacks—to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

“We had a brief lapse, but that’s what we’ve been working on—how to keep the game fast and fluid,” said Tubu.

Jolina Dela Cruz added 11 points, Lorene Toring scored nine, and both Rizza Cruz and Rachel Anne Daquis chipped in seven each. Setter Alohi Robins-Hardy had 14 excellent sets and added four points.

Farm Fresh edged Galeries Tower in attacks (38-34), blocks (8-4), and capitalized on 22 unforced errors from their opponents.

The Foxies claimed the opening set after a video review upheld a block touch call in their favor, then pulled away in the second with a 5-1 run and sealed the match in the third as Galeries Tower collapsed under pressure.

France Ronquillo scored 14, and rookie Jean Asis added 11 for the Highrisers, who dropped to 0-4 and face a tall task against unbeaten PLDT on Sunday at 4 p.m.

With PLDT safely in the next round, all eyes now turn to the Farm Fresh-Nxled showdown, where the winner secures the second and final quarterfinal ticket in Pool A.