PLDT surged to its fourth straight victory in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) ON Tour after making quick work of erstwhile unbeaten Nxled, 25-11, 25-17, 25-17, on Saturday at the USJ-R Coliseum in Cebu City.
Kiesha Bedonia dazzled with a team-high 15 points anchored on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces along with five receptions while Majoy Baron churned out 13 markers as the High Speed Hitters improved to 4-0 in Pool A.
More importantly, PLDT also clinched an outright spot in the quarterfinals as the Chameleons absorbed their first loss to go 3-1.
"’Yun nga, ‘yung challenge na makalaro ‘yung Nxled kasi wala pang talo. Sabi ko naman sa kanila na iba’t-iba ‘yung makakatapat so happy kami na naka-perform lahat at nakaikot kami ng tao," PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said.
"Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung momentum."
[Facing Nxled is a challenge because they hadn’t lost yet. I told them we will play different kinds of teams so we’re happy that everyone performed well and we were able to rotate players… Hopefully the momentum continues.]
PLDT turned a slim 9-8 lead to a 14-9 cushion thanks to back-to-back kills from Bedonia. Another Bedonia hammer sent PLDT to a 17-11 advantage before Mika Reyes connected on a one-two play that saw the High Speed Hitters take a 23-16 lead.
But the Chameleons, who have taken down Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, and Galeries for a spotless start to the offseason showcase, responded with a 3-0 rampage on two consecutive double contact violations called on Kim Fajardo, 23-19.
But Bedonia was unstoppable, bringing PLDT to the match point through a cross court attack before finishing it off with another open kill.
Birthday girl Kim Kianna Dy and Mika Reyes chipped in nine points apiece while Jovy Prado chimed in with seven markers and five receptions.
"Super happy. Syempre, one of my birthday wishes is the win today and I am very happy as well that I get to spend my birthday with the people I love, my teammates," Dy said.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
