PLDT strikes gold twice in two weeks, repeats as PVL Invitationals champion

Alessandra Gwen Santos 

Two championships in two weeks for the red-hot High Speed Hitters.

Defending champions PLDT proved their historic preseason run was no fluke, clinching the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitationals 2025 crown with a gritty 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18 win over Kobe Shinwa University to secure back-to-back titles at Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 31.

After dropping the opening set, PLDT regrouped and turned the tide in the next three frames to carve out a 3-1 triumph, sealing their second straight championship with a perfect 6-0 record, mirroring their flawless preseason sweep.

The High Speed Hitters also cemented their place in league history as only the second franchise to clinch consecutive titles, and the first to sweep back-to-back tournaments.

Libero Kath Arado anchored the defense and earned Finals MVP honors, while Savi Davison led the attack with 20 points off 19 kills and an ace. Kianna Dy and Alleiah Malaluan added 17 and 15 markers, respectively.

“Sobrang happy and proud po ako sa team kasi every sacrifices nagpapaid off talaga, and thankful talaga ako sa mga nagsupport samin.” team captain Arado said.

In the pivotal third set, PLDT erased a late deficit with a 3-0 run to level at 21-all. Davison’s ace pushed them to set point, before Malaluan’s block closed it out, 25-22.

From there, a string of Shinwa miscues gave the High Speed Hitters breathing room. Malaluan’s soft tip and Dy’s game-winning block sealed the deal, 25-18.

Nagisa Komatsuda paced Kobe Shinwa with 22 points, but the Japanese side settled for silver.

Before the championship match, rival side Creamline Cool Smashers stretched their podium streak to 19 straight appearances, dispatching the Chery Tiggo Crossovers for third place.