Unbeaten High Speed Hitters lean on defense, depth to repel Chargers

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6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Farm Fresh

Three weeks into the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, PLDT is beginning to look every bit like a team built for another title run.

Blending firepower with relentless floor coverage, the High Speed Hitters blasted past a gritty Akari side, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, leaning on their defensive identity to stay unbeaten and improve to 3-0.

While PLDT’s offense hummed, it was their defensive discipline that ultimately broke the Chargers’ resistance.

Libero Kath Arado anchored that stand, erupting for 26 excellent digs and 10 receptions, steadying the team particularly in the third and fourth sets where the High Speed Hitters wrested full control.

“Defense talaga ang foundation ng pattern namin,” said Arado, who bagged the Best Player of the Game trophy. “Alam naming hindi magiging madali lalo na’t defense-oriented din ang Akari. Lahat sila gumagalaw at lumalaban, kaya kailangan talagang tyaga at mahabang pasensya.”

That patience was tested in the second set when Akari, behind the spirited efforts of Mary Rhose Dapol and Jyne Soreño, extended rallies and forced a tense, protracted duel that went their way. The Chargers, still chasing their first win, showed flashes of promise and matched PLDT hit for hit and poise for poise.

But championship-caliber teams respond – and PLDT did just that.

After surrendering the second frame, the High Speed Hitters regrouped and reasserted control in the third before turning the fourth into a showcase of their depth and discipline. The victory tied them with the Nxled Chameleons atop the standings at 3-0.

Savi Davison, initially slowed by Akari’s floor defense led by Justine Nazarezo, still finished with a game-high 18 points. Kim Dy and Majoy Baron delivered 14 points each, while Mika Reyes and Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 10 apiece. Jovie Prado added six markers in the near two-hour contest.

Akari actually outhit PLDT in attacks, 60-59, but the High Speed Hitters imposed their will at the net, tallying 13 blocks – five more than the Chargers – with Baron accounting for a conference-high seven. The reinging On Tour and Invitational titlists also capitalized on Akari’s 23 errors while limiting their own miscues to 14.

For Arado, the win underscored not just the team’s defensive culture but also the value of their bench.

“Malaking bagay talaga yung readiness ng bench,” she said. “Credit sa mga subs namin tulad ni Keisha (Bedonia). Kahit hindi sila laging nasa stats, alam nila kung paano akuin ang responsibility kapag tinawag.”

Bedonia and Shiela Kiseo combined for just three points, but their energy and composure helped PLDT sustain momentum and keep their structure intact whenever rotations shifted.

Grethcel Soltones paced Akari with 16 points, Ivy Lacsina added 13, while Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma contributed 11 and 10, respectively, battling PLDT’s formidable net defense. Eli Soyud had nine markers as the Chargers slipped to 0-3, dimming their campaign in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

PLDT set the tone early, with Prado sparking a 12-7 lead in the opening frame behind a flurry of attacks. Though Akari answered with a gutsy second-set stand and threatened early in the third, the High Speed Hitters always found a counter – whether through their veteran core, their blocking wall, or their ever-active floor defense.

Three wins do not make a champion squad. But with their blend of power, poise and purpose –anchored on defense and reinforced by a ready bench – PLDT is steadily building a case that this surge may only be the beginning.