MANILA, Philippines — EST Cola of Thailand prevailed over Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam in a tightly contested straight-set victory, 25-19, 26-24, 26-24, to secure a slot in the finals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the Thailand squad’s win, the PLDT High Speed Hitters were mathematically eliminated from finals contention due to an inferior set-point ratio, regardless of the outcome of their upcoming match against Creamline.
EST Cola concluded the single round-robin phase with a 4-1 record and now awaits its opponent in the championship series. A victory by Creamline over PLDT will forge a title clash between Creamline and EST Cola, whereas a PLDT victory will propel Nxled (3-2) into the finals against the Thai club instead.
Despite committing 22 errors in the match, EST Cola escaped with the sweep as Ho Chi Minh City kept its own errors down to just seven.
Papatchaya Phontham once again spearheaded the Thailand squad with a game-high 21 points built on 19 attacks, one block, and an ace.
"The Filipino players are really good. They are both skilled and tough. As for us, we also prepared well. We can compete by using the full potential of every player and fighting together," Phontham shared during the post-game press conference.
Nannhaphat Moonjakham and Nirarach Srikuta backed Phontham's stellar performance with 18 and 12 points, respectively.
Ho Chi Minh City was led by Thi Kim Thanh Dang, who posted 14 points in the effort.
