PLDT stays perfect; Galeries stuns Nxled in PVL AFC

PLDT High Speed Hitters maintained their perfect start in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a straight-set win over the Akari Chargers, while Galeries Tower pulled off a major upset against previously unbeaten Nxled at the FilOil Centre in San Juan on Feb. 19.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters maintained their immaculate record in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference by defeating the Akari Chargers, 25–22, 25–27, 25–21, 25–15.

Defense proved crucial for PLDT, as Kath Arado recorded 26 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions to anchor the floor, receiving Player of the Game honors.

Savi Davison scored a match-high 18 points while setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the attack, distributing the ball to five teammates who reached double figures.

After dropping the second set, the High Speed Hitters pulled away in the fourth set with a 13–5 advantage before finishing with a 10-point margin.

Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron added fuel to the fire with 14 points each, with Baron contributing seven blocks, while Mika Reyes and Alleiah Malaluan chipped in 10 points apiece.

Akari stayed winless in three matches despite Grethcel Soltones’ 16 points and 13 excellent receptions, complemented by Ivy Lacsina’s 13 markers and contributions from middle blockers Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma.

PLDT will aim to extend its winning streak against sister team Cignal on Feb. 24 at the same venue.

Galeries pulls off stunning upset vs Nxled, Van Sickle

Galeries Tower scored a major upset over previously unbeaten Nxled, 25–19, 17–25, 25–20, 25–21, in the evening match.

The Highrisers were led by Erika Jin Deloria and Roselle Baliton, who combined for 32 points, while Gayle Pascual added 13 markers to help snap Nxled’s three-game winning streak.

Galeries dictated the tempo early in the fourth set, racing to a 13–6 lead highlighted by Deloria’s two straight points that widened the gap at 11–6.

Nxled responded with a 5–1 run to trim the deficit to 17-15 after Galeries had built a 16–11 cushion.

Errors by the Highrisers allowed Nxled to force an 18–18 deadlock, briefly swinging momentum to the Chameleons.

Galeries regained control at 21–18 behind strong defensive stops and consecutive attacks from Baliton and Deloria.

At 23–20, Erika Raagas delivered a bold down-the-line hit that served as a statement play in the closing stretch.

Raagas later sealed the match with a decisive crosscourt kill to hand Nxled its first loss of the conference.

Deloria and Baliton finished with 16 points each, while Gayle Pascual added 13 markers to lift Galeries to a 2–2 record.

Brooke Van Sickle scored 21 points and Chiara May Permentilla added 16 for Nxled, which fell to 3–1 after opening the conference with three straight wins.