HISTORY MADE: Perfect PLDT topple Chery Tiggo to snare maiden PVL on Tour 2025

After years of heartbreak, the PLDT High Speed Hitters finally claimed their first PVL On Tour championship with a flawless performance, defeating the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in a thrilling five-set match, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, at the Mall of Asia Arena, August 17.

This victory marks the franchise’s first league title, finishing their campaign with an unblemished 8-0 record.

Finals MVP Mika Reyes led PLDT’s offense with 20 points, including 13 attacks and seven blocks, while Savi Davison contributed a team-high 23 points.

“Kapit sa isa’t isa – that’s what kept us together. Even when we made errors and lost patience, we held on to each other,” Reyes said.

Team captain Kath Arado and Majoy Baron also shone in defense, earning Best Libero and Best Middle Blocker honors, respectively.

PLDT started strong in the opening set, immediately pulling a 5-0 run and capitalizing on the Crossovers’ defensive lapses, before Baron sealed the first set, 1-0.

Although Princess Robles gave Chery Tiggo a brief respite in the second set by tying it at 8-all, the High Speed Hitters relied on their signature blocking and late rallies, with Kim Fajardo’s service ace closing the set, 2-0.

On the verge of history, PLDT stumbled in the third frame, allowing the Crossovers to recover from an 8-1 deficit with veteran Ara Galang’s leadership and Jyne Soreño’s attacks, taking the set 19-25.

PLDT continued to struggle in the fourth set as Chery Tiggo pushed for a comeback. Kiesha Bedonia’s deflected attack put PLDT at match point, but Galang responded, followed by Renee Peñafiel’s attack, forcing a decisive fifth set.

With the title on the line, PLDT regained its composure, asserting their dominance as the tournament’s top blocking team. Reyes delivered back-to-back attacks and finished with a block to secure the historic victory, 3-2.

“This championship has been a long time coming. I’m so happy that we finally have gold. I dedicate this to the PLDT management, our entire community, my family, and Ezra Madrigal,” said head coach Rald Ricafort.

Despite the defeat, Galang led Chery Tiggo with 22 points, but the team settled for the silver finish.

PLDT now aims to carry this momentum into the PVL Invitational Conference, which begins on August 21.