PLDT turns back Choco Mucho to open PVL On Tour run

PLDT fended off a mighty Set 3 comeback from Choco Mucho to complete a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 win in its first game at the 2026 PVL On Tour on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan.

The High Speed Hitters built an eight-point cushion in the third set, only for the Flying Titans to storm back and force an extended battle. But PLDT kept its cool in the clutch to escape with the set before finishing off Choco Mucho in four.

Kim Kianna Dy led the way with 17 points, including the game-winning point, while Savi Davison churned out 13 markers and Mika Reyes chipped in 12. Alleiah Malaluan had nine points but also shone with 11 digs and seven receptions as PLDT opened its preseason campaign on a winning note.

"It was really an intense game, we wanted to win talaga and kudos also sa Choco Mucho mahirap silang kalaban so buti na lang, 'yung mga pinasok ay nag-perform," said Dy who is turning 31 tomorrow.

"I think we still have to work on a lot of things for our next games."

After a Set 2 stumble, PLDT vented its ire in the next frame with Davison sending the defending On Tour champions to an 18-10 lead. But Choco Mucho swung for an 11-3 blast led by Ayesha Juegos as they forced a 21-all deadlock before they once again tied it up at 27-all off an Isa Molde kill.

PLDT, however, delivered in the clutch. Reyes fired a quick attack to bring up set point, before Malaluan found the corner with a left-wing hit off a dig from Dy and an underhand set from Kiesha Bedonia to finally put away the extended frame.

PLDT seized control early in Set 4, stretching its lead to 19-13 after Malaluan executed a drop ball off a fake set from Kim Fajardo. The High Speed Hitters moved closer to the finish line when Dy followed with a push that Choco Mucho challenged for a reach-over violation, but the call stood, keeping the point in PLDT.

Dy sealed the four-set romp after completing a combination play set up again by Fajardo.

Caitlin Viray, who was also an instrumental player during Choco Mucho's Set 3 rampage, starred with 16 points while Isa Molde chimed in with 14 markers and 12 digs.

—JKC, GMA News