PLDT targets second victory

PLDT will face its toughest test yet in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League when it clashes with Thailand’s powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C in a crucial Pool D encounter at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Fresh from a dominant 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 sweep of Queensland on Sunday night, the High Speed Hitters look to ride their momentum into what could be a defining match in their quest for a quarterfinal berth.

Filipino-Canadian hitter Savi Davison led the charge in their opening win, firing 14 points all off attacks, while Cuban import Wilma Salas added 10 points.

Returning Kianna Dy — who has recently made her way back into the starting six after a long injury layoff — showed flashes of her former explosive form. Mika Reyes also delivered a double-digit performance to help dismantle the Australia-based squad.

PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort stressed the need for composure and focus when facing a veteran-laden opponent, noting that early jitters may have caused his squad to start off a bit tense.

“I told them to just relax first. Maybe it was the excitement of joining (the tournament) that took over, which is why we were a bit stiff at the beginning,” Ricafort said.

Nakhon Ratchasima is coming off an equally convincing sweep of Queensland on Monday. American spiker Anyse Marlee led the Thai club with 13 points from 12 attacks and a service ace, while Evangelia Chantave chipped in 12.

In the 7 p.m. nightcap, Petro Gazz aims to keep its Pool B hopes alive when it squares off against winless Hip Hing of Hong Kong.

The Angels are leaning on a powerful core bannered by PVL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle and Finals MVP MJ Phillips.

American reinforcement Gia Day and veteran Myla Pablo are expected to provide additional firepower on the wings, with setters Djanel Cheng and Chie Saet alternating at the helm of their offense.

Hip Hing, still searching for its first win after falling to Taipower last Sunday, will rely on outside hitter Pang Wing Lam and setter Fung Tsz Yan to lead the way.