PLDT dominates Australian foes to start AVC Champions League campaign

PLDT was off to a flyer in the 2025 AVC Champions League after prevailing over the Queensland Pirates of Australia, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

The High Speed Hitters managed to flip the switch after opening the match with a 1-6 deficit and complete a sweep for a 1-0 start in Pool D.

The Queensland Pirates came out the game strong with middle blocker Scarlett Rudder bringing them to a five-point advantage before Savi Davison and Wilma Salas fueled the rampage that allowed the Philippine bet to draw first blood.

PLDT made it twin victories for the hosts as Creamline earlier pulled off a similar sweep win over Al Naser.

"[Sinabi ko sa kanila] na mag-relax muna. 'Yung excitement siguro nu'ng pag-join dito 'yung nanhguna kaya medyo stiff kami nu'ng una," PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort shared on what he told the team after their shaky start.

"Alam naman nila 'yung igagalaw tsaka ilalaro namin, sadyang gano'n lang talaga dahil 'yung kalaban ume-effort din lumaban."

Davison, who is listed as an import in the tournament, led the way with 14 points all on attacks while also grabbing eight digs and two receptions while Mika Reyes chipped in 10 markers on nine attacks and one block. 

PLDT made it twin victories for the hosts as Creamline earlier pulled off a similar sweep win over Al Naser.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News