Facing the looming threat of consecutive defeats after an electrifying 15-game winning streak, the PLDT High Speed Hitters showed why they remain a powerhouse in Philippine volleyball. Despite a shaky start that saw them drop the first set, the team recalled the composure and firepower that propelled them to consecutive championships, ultimately outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, in the PVL Reinforced Conference at Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal late Saturday night.

The loss of the first set could have rattled a lesser team, but PLDT quickly regrouped. Savi Davison led the charge, combining relentless attacks with exceptional floor defense, while import Nastya Bavykina delivered timely, clutch kills. Their combined effort neutralized Farm Fresh’s growing confidence and reasserted PLDT’s dominance in the next three sets.

The turning point came in the pivotal third set, where the High Speed Hitters unleashed a commanding performance. They surged to a 24-12 lead with a flurry of consecutive quick hits from Majoy Baron, culminating in a Shiela Kiseo ace. Farm Fresh managed to stave off two set points, but errors at critical moments ultimately handed PLDT the set.

That third-set romp not only secured momentum but also ended a brief four-set skid that had included three losses to sister team Cignal just days earlier.

Despite that unlikely set to the Super Spikers, the High Speed Hitters came into the match brimming with confidence.

“I think what really defines a team is how it recovers from a loss, so I’m just glad we showed up today and didn’t take anything for granted,” said Davison, who spearheaded the attack with a 20-point burst, earning yet another Best Player of the Game honor.

“We stayed focused, pushed point by point, and I’m really happy with how we handled the game – especially against a strong team like that. They have a lot of great athletes, especially Eli, so I’m proud that we persevered and finished strong,” added Davison.

More importantly, the win may have sparked the beginning of another potential winning streak, reminding fans and rivals alike that when the High Speed Hitters find their rhythm, few can match their blend of power, precision and poise.

“Heading into the playoffs, we want to carry this momentum and build more confidence,” added Davison, who also produced eight excellent receptions.

Before the game, ang reminders talaga namin ay tungkol sa composure – ni-remind lang namin sila na lahat ng games magiging mahirap. Kaya ‘yung mga natutunan namin sa previous game, in-apply lang ulit. Hindi namin nakuha ‘yung first set, pero pinilit talaga ng mga players na makabawi agad,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.

Bavykina backed Davison with 18 points, while Majoy Baron stood out with 10, most of which came in crucial moments during the final two sets. Kim Dy contributed nine markers, and Dell Palomata chipped in seven points to round out the balanced PLDT offense.

Riding the wave from their dominant third set, PLDT carried its intensity into the fourth, blending aggressive offense with intimidating frontline defense. The team’s tall and imposing net presence effectively contained Farm Fresh’s scorers, including the explosive Eli Rousseaux, demonstrating that the High Speed Hitters’ experience and depth remain formidable.

The one-hour, 50-minute victory boosted PLDT’s Pool A record to 3-1, tying the Foxies at the top and reinforcing their bid for a Top 3 finish.

Despite dropping the first set, PLDT dominated across all scoring categories, outgunning their opponents, 53-47, in attacks, 7-4 in blocks, and 8-7 in aces. The High Speed Hitters also took full advantage of the Foxies’ inconsistency in the final three sets, racking up 29 points off errors while conceding only 20.

Rousseaux led the Foxies with 21 points but struggled to find consistency against the High Speed Hitters’ formidable net defense. Trisha Tubu chipped in 12 markers, while Ces Molina and Rizza Cruz contributed 10 and seven points, respectively, as the Foxies saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.