PLDT’s Kim Kianna Dy (center) scores against Akari’s Celine Domingo during the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday (Feb. 19, 2026) night. The High Speed Hitters won, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15. (PVL photo)
PLDT leaned on suffocating defense and timely scoring to outlast Akari, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, on Thursday night and remain unbeaten in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The win lifted the High Speed Hitters to 3-0, tying them atop the standings with Nxled, and once again highlighted the team’s identity as a defense-first unit willing to grind through long rallies and momentum swings.
Libero Kathleen Faith Arado anchored that effort with a relentless performance on the floor, tallying 26 excellent digs and 10 receptions over the two-hour contest. Her energy set the tone in key stretches, particularly after PLDT dropped the second set.
“Defense is really the foundation of our pattern. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially since Akari is also defense-oriented. They’re all moving and fighting, so we really need to be patient and patient,” said Arado, who was named Best Player of the Game.
On offense, Savi Davison carried the scoring load with a game-high 18 points, while Kim Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron delivered 14 apiece. Mika Reyes and Alleiah Malaluan added 10 points each, with Jovie Prado chipping in six.
At the net, PLDT imposed its presence with 13 blocks, five more than Akari. Baron was the chief disruptor, posting a conference-high seven kill blocks to blunt the Chargers’ attacks at critical moments.
Beyond the numbers, Arado credited the team’s depth for sustaining pressure throughout the match. “The readiness of the bench is really a big thing. Credit to our subs like Keisha (Bedonia). Even though they aren’t always in the stats, they know how to take responsibility when called upon,” she said.
Akari, still searching for its first win at 0-3, was led by Grethcel Soltones with 16 points, followed by Ivy Lacsina with 13. Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma scored 11 and 10, respectively, while Eli Soyud finished with nine.
As the All-Filipino Conference unfolds, PLDT’s mix of disciplined defense, balanced scoring, and dependable depth continues to separate the High Speed Hitters from the pack.