Alleiah Malaluan shines in PVL debut as PLDT downs Chery Tiggo

Alleiah Malaluan shone in her professional debut as PLDT swept Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-14, 25-20, on Thursday in the PVL Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Malaluan delivered a game-high 11 points, built on 10 attacks, along with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. Majoy Baron also chipped in 10 points for the High Speed Hitters.

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said they prioritized resting their usual starters after a grueling PVL On Tour, where the team claimed the title last Sunday.

This allowed rookies like Malaluan to step up for the team.

“Ang mas naging goal ay pangalagaan 'yung sa kanila, saka magbigay ulit ng opportunity sa mga second unit. So at least, isa sa mga naging reinforcement namin 'yung matagal na naming inaantay, si Alleiah Malaluan, nakapag-perform naman,” Ricafort said.

Cess Robles led the Crossovers with eight points, while Jen Nierva, also returning from national team duties like Malaluan, tallied 18 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

PLDT improved to 2-0, while Chery Tiggo dropped to 1-1.

The results of both teams' PVL On Tour semifinal matches — against Creamline and Cignal, respectively — were carried over to the Invitational Conference, following a mutual agreement among teams to take a one-day rest instead of adding another game day.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News