PLDT's Kianna Dy in action against Choco Mucho in the 2025 PVL On Tour, July 13, 2025 at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela. PVL Media
MANILA -- PLDT recovered from a third-set letdown to overpower Choco Mucho in four sets, 25-22, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, in the 2025 PVL on Tour on Sunday night at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela.
With Kim Fajardo pulling the strings on offense, five players scored in double-digits for the High Speed Hitters, led by Kianna Dy's 15 points. They also put up a wall at the net, registering 13 kill blocks with Majoy Baron accounting for six rejections.
The High Speed Hitters improved to 3-0 in the competition to rise to the top spot in Pool A, while handing the Flying Titans their third loss in a row. After opening their campaign with a win against Galeries, Choco Mucho is now 1-3.
"I guess it's just a team effort. Everyone worked today. Kita naman, it was a really good game. Kudos to Choco Mucho for giving us a hard game. But it was a team effort," said Dy.
After building a two-set cushion, the High Speed Hitters were in control for most of the third frame before veteran setter Jem Ferrer fueled the Flying Titans' comeback. From down 14-18, they surged to a 23-20 lead off hits by Mary Ann Mendrez and rookie Ayesha Juegos.
Shiela Kiseo stopped the bleeding for the High Speed Hitters, but Mendrez converted on a crosscourt hit to put Choco Mucho at set point, 24-21. Another Kiseo attack kept PLDT alive, but a miscue on the final rally -- with Baron pushing the third ball out of play -- allowed the Flying Titans to extend the match to a fourth set.
The High Speed Hitters regrouped there, with Dy and Baron coming through with the key plays. Fittingly, the final two points came on blocks, with Mika Reyes and Baron both rejecting the Flying Titans at the net.
Jovie Prado also scored 15 points, while Baron and Kiesha Bedonia each had 14 for PLDT. Reyes added 10 points.
Aside from taking another defeat, the Flying Titans also lost veteran open spiker Isa Molde to an ankle injury in the first rally of the second set. The former University of the Philippines standout twisted her right ankle upon landing on Dy's foot, and was sent to a local hospital, according to the broadcast.
Juegos had 13 points for the Flying Titans, while Desiree Cheng and Jen Villegas each scored nine.