PLDT returns to the PVL win column in sweep of ZUS Coffee

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The PLDT High Speed Hitters recovered from their loss against the Cignal Super Spikers and vented their ire on the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-23, 25-23, 25-13, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Playtime Filoil Centre.

After a disappointing 0-3 loss to Cignal, the High Speed Hitters regrouped at the most crucial time, handing the Thunderbelles their second sweeping loss in the All-Filipino Conference.

The game may have looked one-sided on paper, but ZUS Coffee had every chance to steal both the first two sets, giving PLDT a run for its money.

PLDT was already bound for a lopsided first-set performance after mounting a 15-6 lead, but ZUS Coffee woke up and battled back with a demoralizing 16-6 run to retake the advantage, 21-22.

The trio of Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riza Nogales and Chinnie Arroyo sparked the massive ZUS Coffee rally, but the High Speed Hitters’ calm and collected counterattack stole the show, sucking the life out of the Thunderbelles in the final six game possessions.

PLDT held ZUS Coffee to just a point, with Savannah Davison sealing the win with back-to-back spikes, capped off by an Arroyo error whose cross-court attempt bounced off the net.

The second set was a change in scenery as ZUS Coffee took cruise control of the first eight minutes of the game before PLDT stormed back to formalize the 2-0 lead, which paved the way for the dominant third-set finish.

The Thunderbelles ran out of gas in the final set and could only watch Davison, Kim Kianna Dy and Alleiah Malaluan expose their floor coverage gaps with a 25-13 outing.

Davison paced the High Speed Hitters with an all-around effort of 17 points built from 15 successful attacks, alongside six excellent digs, four excellent receptions and a service ace.

Meanwhile, Dy backstopped Davison with 16 markers, all from attacks, with seven excellent receptions, three excellent digs and two blocks.

The High Speed Hitters will look to sustain their momentum on March 5, 2026, against the Farm Fresh Foxies, while the Thunderbelles aim to redeem themselves on the same date against Cignal.