PLDT repels ZUS Coffee to claim PVL Invitational grand finals spot

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The PLDT High-Speed Hitters formally booked a finals ticket to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference following a huge win over ZUS Coffee, 24-26, 25-17, 25-17, 25-14, on Aug. 28, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With another victory, the High-Speed Hitters maintained their dominance in the PVL, wrapping up the conference’s elimination phase with an undefeated 5-0 record.

However, it was a rare sight in the opening set when PLDT was plagued by a slow start, committing early defensive lapses that allowed ZUS Coffee to penetrate their backline for an early lead.

PLDT had sustained lethal form in their last three wins and never dropped a set, but the tough challenge from ZUS Coffee served as a wake-up call to the reigning On Tour queens heading into the next frame.

More vocal on their defensive sets and equipped with a more varied attacking approach, PLDT regained its stride and overwhelmed ZUS Coffee to level the elimination clash at 1-all.

All PLDT needed was a spark from Savannah Davison, who kicked off the squad’s scoring barrage midway through the second set.

Davison went unconscious as she paid off the trust of star setter Kim Fajardo, who continuously fed her the ball, building her confidence as the game progressed.

The rest followed, as the defensive trio of Kim Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata neutralized ZUS Coffee’s scoring prowess in the last two sets.

After Davison’s explosion, Dy and Alleiah Malaluan joined forces to close the show for the High-Speed Hitters in the fourth set as they pummeled the ball off several cross-court running attacks dished out by Fajardo.

Davison took charge and delivered a game-high 26-point performance, derived from 24 successful attacks alongside 12 excellent digs, seven excellent receptions and two service aces.

Meanwhile, Dy’s PVL resurgence is still on full display as the veteran attacker chipped in 13 markers off 11 successful attacks.

PLDT’s comeback win propelled them to the first qualification seat in the upcoming finale, where they will await the winner between guest team Kobe Shinwa University and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.