PLDT’s historic bid vs Chery Tiggo’s championship grit

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Games Sunday

(SM MOA Arena)

4 p.m. – Cignal vs Creamline (battle for 3rd)

6:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs PLDT (battle for crown)

With perhaps the biggest stumbling block to its dream Premier Volleyball League title now out of the way, PLDT shifts its focus to the final hurdle — one that will test not just its skills, depth, and firepower, but also its character.

“Siguro more of, move on agad dito sa panalo. Nandiyan rin yung Chery sa finals dahil trinabaho rin nila. Maayos rin yung tao nila. Nakabalik na rin sila Imee (Hernandez) tapos maganda rin yung na-pick up nila from draft, tapos may Ara (Galang),” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort after his High Speed Hitters rallied from a 1-2 set deficit and overpowered the Creamline Cool Smashers in the fifth set of their heated semifinal clash Tuesday.

“Malaking bagay talaga na makapag-prepare, maka-move on at maka-focus ulit kami against Chery,” he added.

The High Speed Hitters enter the one-game finale of the PVL On Tour unbeaten, their rise fueled by hard work, grit, and adaptability.

But all that could quickly fade if they falter against a Chery Tiggo squad determined to reclaim its spot atop the league.

PLDT’s road to the finals was not without adversity.

From surviving a dramatic five-set duel against the Cool Smashers — highlighted by Savi Davison’s 34-point explosion — to enduring off-court challenges, including being stranded during the Habagat onslaught, the team has been tested in every way imaginable.

And each test, they have passed.

The High Speed Hitters’ rise has been powered by overwhelming firepower and a balanced rotation.

The return of Davison gave them a true offensive anchor — a go-to scorer capable of breaking games open with her explosiveness and range.

Even in the Fil-Canadian’s absence, PLDT proved it was no one-woman show.

At the net, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, and Kim Dy have formed a formidable wall, turning the frontline into a near-impenetrable fortress.

Dy’s renewed health and form add another layer of offense, while veteran setter Kim Fajardo runs plays with precision and vision.

Backing the core is Kath Arado, one of the league’s most consistent liberos, whose stability and digging prowess give PLDT scoring chances in transition.

When the starters need rest, the bench delivers without hesitation or drop in quality.

It is a roster with power, depth, chemistry, and momentum.

But standing in PLDT’s way is a team that knows how to win when it matters most.

Chery Tiggo, the league’s inaugural pro champion, thrives in high-stakes moments.

Its four-set dismantling of the Cignal HD Spikers in the semifinals served as a reminder of its resilience and competitive edge.

“We just trust each other. That’s a big factor,” said Galang. “But it’s not over yet. What matters now is staying focused and maximizing each player’s strengths.”

Galang and Cess Robles lead the Crossovers’ attack, while rookies Renee Peñafiel, Jyne Soreño, and Erika Deloria bring fresh energy and fearless play.

In the middle, Hernandez has been superb, while veterans Pauline Gaston, Aby Maraño, and Cza Carandang provide steady backup in attack and defense.

Playmaker Jasmine Nabor orchestrates the offense with composure, and libero Karen Verdeflor anchors the defense with her floor coverage.

On paper, PLDT holds the edge — riding a seven-game win streak, fielding one of the most complete starting units in the tournament, and boasting an MVP-caliber weapon in Davison.

Their dominance in offense and net defense makes them the favorites heading into the final.

But Chery Tiggo has something PLDT does not — the memory of conquering this stage before.

Their upset win over the heavily favored Creamline squad in 2021 remains one of the league’s most iconic moments, proof of their ability to rise when the stakes are highest.

They are not just in the final — they are here to win it.