With perhaps the biggest stumbling block to its dream Premier Volleyball League title now cleared from its path, PLDT shifts its full focus to the final hurdle – one that will challenge not just its skills, depth and firepower, but more so, its character.
“Siguro more of, move on agad dito sa panalo. Nandiyan rin yung Chery (Tiggo) sa Finals dahil trinabaho rin nila. Maayos rin yung tao nila. Nakabalik narin sila Imee (Hernandez) tapos maganda rin yung na-pick up nila from Draft, (tapos) may Ara (Galang),” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort after his High Speed Hitters rallied from 1-2 set down and overpowered the Creamline Cool Smashers in Set 5 in their heated semis clash Tuesday.
“Malaking bagay talaga na makapag-prepare, maka-move on at maka-focus ulit kami against Chery na,” he added.
Indeed, the High Speed Hitters have marched into the one-game finale of the PVL On Tour unbeaten, their rise driven by hard work, grit and a willingness to adapt. But all that could quickly fade if they falter against a Chery Tiggo squad hungry to reclaim its place atop the league.
PLDT’s route to the finals hasn’t been without adversity. From surviving a dramatic five-set duel against the Cool Smashers – highlighted by Savi Davison’s 34-point eruption – to enduring off-court challenges, including being stranded during the Habagat onslaught, the team has been tested in every way imaginable. And every test, they’ve passed.
What makes PLDT’s rise particularly impressive is its overwhelming firepower and balanced rotation. The return of Davison has given the High Speed Hitters a true offensive anchor – a go-to scorer capable of breaking games open with her explosiveness and range.
But even in the Fil-Canadian’s absence, PLDT proved it was no one-woman show.
At the net, the trio of Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Kim Dy has formed a fearsome wall, turning PLDT’s frontline into a near-impenetrable fortress. Dy’s renewed health and form add another layer of offense, while Kim Fajardo, with her veteran poise, runs the plays with precision and vision.
Complementing the core is Kath Arado, one of the league’s most consistent liberos, whose stability and digging prowess give PLDT transition opportunities off every rally. And when the starters need rest, the bench steps up – no hesitation, no drop in quality.
It’s a roster that has everything: power, depth, chemistry and momentum.
But standing in PLDT’s way is a team that knows exactly how to win when it matters most.
Chery Tiggo, the league’s inaugural pro champion, is no stranger to underdog storylines. The Crossovers’ four-set dismantling of the Cignal HD Spikers in the semifinals reminded everyone that this team, while still evolving, thrives in high-stakes moments. Their ability to dig deep and trust in one another has been a defining trait.
“We just trust each other. That’s a big factor,” said Galang. “But it’s not over yet. What matters now is staying focused and maximizing each player’s strengths.”
Galang, alongside the consistent Cess Robles, forms a reliable attacking tandem. The emergence of promising rookies Renee Peñafiel, Jyne Soreño and Erika Deloria has added fresh legs and fearless energy – each of them playing beyond their years.
In the middle, Hernandez has been superb, while Pauline Gaston, Aby Maraño and Cza Carandang offer battle-tested backup in both attack and defense.
Orchestrating it all is playmaker Jasmine Nabor, whose veteran instincts and calm under pressure keep the Crossovers steady. And with Karen Verdeflor sweeping the floor behind them, Chery Tiggo remains a cohesive, tenacious unit capable of gutting out wins.
On paper, PLDT holds the edge – riding a seven-game win streak, fielding arguably the most complete starting unit in the tournament, and boasting an MVP-caliber weapon in Davison. Their dominance in both offense and net defense has made them the favorites heading into the final.
But Chery Tiggo has something PLDT does not – the memory of climbing this mountain before.
Their upset win over the highly fancied Creamline squad in 2021 remains one of the league’s most iconic moments, and it proves this team’s capacity to rise when the stakes are highest. They’re not just in the final – they’re here to win it.
