PLDT in action in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on March 19, 2024. Photo from PVL Media Bureau 

MANILA (UPDATED) – The PLDT High Speed Hitters gave last conference's runners-up Choco Mucho Flying Titans a five-set beating in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. 

The MVP Group's volleyball squad, coming from a straight sets victory against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, nearly squandered a two-set cushion but showed their poise in the clutch for a 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-23, 15-13 triumph on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. 

It may have taken a full five-set marathon, but the High Speed Hitters were happy with the win against the "top team."

"Hindi namin inisip i-break ‘yung streak nila. Talagang important lang ‘yung game na ‘to para makapasok kami sa goal namin na top 4. Kailangan talaga makakuha kami (ng panalo) sa mga top teams," said coach Rald Ricafort during the postgame press conference.

(We didn't think of breaking Choco Mucho's streak. This game is just important because our goal is to enter the top 4, and we need to win against top teams.) 

"So, happy kami na nakuha namin ‘to at kahit papaano nabura ‘yung memory noong last conference na nag-breakdown kami ng fifth set. Pero ayun happy kami, happy na talaga," he added. 

(So, we're happy that we got this win and the memory of breaking down in the fifth set. But, yes. We're very happy.) 

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho escapes Petro Gazz in 5-set thriller

READ: PVL: Rondina lights Choco Mucho, shocks Cignal

READ: PVL: Savi Davison powers PLDT past Galeries for first win

PLDT had to survive the 25-point eruption of reigning All-Filipino MVP Sisi Rondina who also logged 17 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. 

The high-leaper Savi Davison led their firepower after putting up 21 markers, while Kim Fajardo claimed the Best Player of the Game citation after tallying 22 excellent sets and 12 excellent digs. 

Captain Kath Arado also showed her defensive prowess after protecting the floor with 24 excellent digs. 

Both teams didn't get much of the lead in the clincher as the final canto went back and forth. 

However, it was PLDT which first reached a pivotal 12-10 lead as Davison scored one through and Rondina's hit went wide. 

Choco Mucho's Cherry Nunag kept her team alive with a power tip, and Kat Tolentino fired one off the blockers to tie the game once more at 12-all. 

The young Kiesha Bedonia unleashed a down-the-line, 13-12, but Rondina was quick to answer with a kill of her own. 

However, it was Choco Mucho's last point of the match as Bedonia spiked one through the blocker and Tolentino's last attack went outside. 

Choco Mucho's coaching staff contested the last attempt for block touch to no avail.

READ: PVL: PLDT suffers straight-sets beatdown from Brooke Van Sickle, Petro Gazz

READ: PVL: Rald Ricafort optimistic of PLDT's chances in 2024 All-Filipino

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho shackles Nxled in straight sets

"I’m just glad that with our additions, with how hard we’ve been training, it’s paid off. We’ve worked really hard to get here. Although this game had its ups and downs, we pushed through and that’s the most important (thing). I’m very happy about that," said Davison. 

The previously unbeaten Flying Titans are now 4-1 in the tourney, while the High Speed Hitters (also 4-1) joined the five-way tie alongside Petro Gazz, Cignal HD, and Creamline.