PVL On Tour: PLDT opens strong, trims Choco Mucho

PLDT High Speed Hitters during a game vs Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2026 PVL on Tour. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT fended off Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, on Saturday to win its first 2026 PVL On Tour stop at Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

The High Speed Hitters, who ruled last year’s PVL On Tour, flexed their depth to kick off their preseason campaign in style.

Kianna Dy unleashed 17 points, while Savi Davison scored 13 and tallied 10 excellent receptions in three sets played.

Alleiah Malaluan started in the last two sets and finished with nine points, 11 digs, and seven receptions. Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“We’re happy to get the result, but we still have a lot to improve. Some of our starters were a bit off, so we had to rely on our bench. We’re pleased with how they stepped up and the quality of the game they played,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino.

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Kim Kianna Dy during a game vs Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2026 PVL on Tour. –PVL PHOTO

Kim Fajardo dished out 26 excellent sets on top of three points, while Kath Arado tallied 31 digs.

PLDT eyes its second win against the unbeaten ZUS Coffee in Santiago, Isabela on August 8.

Choco Mucho dropped its second preseason game after yielding to ZUS Coffee last July 11.

Caitlin Viray stepped up with 16 points Choco Mucho, which is missing its Alas Pilipinas players Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig, and Sisi Rondina for beach volleyball. Isa Molde had 14 points and 12 digs, while Jewel Encarnacion had eight points and eight receptions.

Libero Thang Ponce had 23 digs and 13 receptions.

The Flying Titans seek to bounce back against Akari next week in Polomolok, South Cotabato.