With perhaps the biggest stumbling block to its dream Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 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 five sets 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.