PLDT repels Chery Tiggo in finals thriller to complete PVL On Tour sweep

PLDT claimed its maiden championship in a flawless fashion.

The High Speed Hitters battled past Chery Tiggo in their finale showdown, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, to seize the 2025 PVL On Tour championship on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory saw PLDT snag its first-ever title and complete a tournament sweep, going unbeaten in eight games, including an impressive 5-0 win-loss card in the preliminary round. 

Four High Speed Hitters reached double-digit scoring with Savi Davison hammering out 23 points together with nine receptions while veteran middle blocker Mika Reyes churned out 20 markers highlighted by seven blocks. 

Kim Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron both chipped in 13 points with the latter imposing her will at the net with six blocks. 

The quartet dazzled early and helped PLDT take the first two frames and move a set away from its inaugural PVL title. But Chery Tiggo staged a fightback in the next two sets with Ara Galang showing off a vintage performance. 

Galang completed a combination play that knotted the game at 22-all in Set 4 before a timely ace from Mary Rhose Dapol gave Chery Tiggo a slim one-point lead. 

Davison then went for an off-speed kill as Kiesha Bedonia delivered PLDT's first championship point at 24-23 after unleashing a bullet from the left side. 

Galang, though, responded with a familiar strong opposite attack before a Bedonia attack error and a Renee Peñafiel spike saw the Crossovers drag PLDT to a deciding fifth set. 

PLDT made sure to kick things off in Set 5 the right way, pulling off a 4-1 start capped by a service ace from Dy. Baron then put the clamps on a red-hot Galang, denying her fellow former La Salle standout twice to create an 8-3 cushion.

Baron followed it up with a quick kill before Reyes denied Jyne Soreñp for a huge 10-4 lead. Reyes would then take advantage of an overpass from Chery Tiggo to clinch the second championship point at 14-5. 

The Crossovers, however, mounted a last-gasp comeback with a 3-0 rampage, which eventually fell short as Dy and Reyes connived to reject the final attack from Cess Robles and seal the championship. 

The loss spoiled a 22-point outburst from Galang, who had 18 attacks, two blocks, and two aces laced with eight digs. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News