MANILA, Philippines — PLDT shut down the hopes of Farm Fresh to extend the battle for third place to a do-or-die Game 3 after scoring a 25-14, 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-5 clincher in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The bronze medal finish marks PLDT’s highest placing in the All-Filipino Conference since entering the league in 2021.
PLDT, however, captured the crown in the On Tour and Invitational tournaments last year before falling to fourth place in the Reinforced Conference after a loss to Akari.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort said that their goal was to make it to the finals, but due to the stiff competition, he is happy for his team for making the podium.
“It’s difficult, but if this is what is being given to us right now, of course, we are very thankful. This is our best finish yet. We’ve gone through several conferences where we fell short during the battle for third because we just weren't there mentally,” Ricafort said.
“So, we are going back to our goal as a team. When everyone truly works for one another, this is the result,” he added.
PLDT was led by Kianna Dy who scored 21 points on 14 attacks, six blocks and an ace, while Savi Davison posted a double-double of 20 points and 10 excellent digs.
Kim Fajardo orchestrated 32 excellent sets, allowing three more High Speed Hitters to score in double figures as Kiesha Bedonia scored 15 points and Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes added 10 points each.
The High Speed Hitters also needed five sets to beat the Foxies in Game 1, 22-25, 25-21, 27-25, 26-28, 15-11, on Tuesday.
Trisha Tubu, meanwhile, scored 23 points and Ces Molina chipped in 12 points for the Foxies, who made semifinals for the first time in the league.
