PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort liked how his bench responded to the challenge of the all-to-play format of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown.

With the competition rules requiring teams to play all available players in the match, the High Speed Hitters relievers stepped up big time and delivered the goods for a strong start in the preseason competition.

The likes of Alleiah Malaluan, Keisha Bedonia and Jessey de Leon provided the much-needed support in PLDT’s 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, debut victory over Choco Mucho on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

“Everyone’s willing to go through the process, especially that we’re using an all-to-play. We really need this kind of performance from the bench,” said Ricafor, whose squad swept the inaugural staging of the competition last year.

“We’re really happy with this kind of process here in the On Tour, and we’re hoping we’ll be able to give everyone a break.”

Malaluan posted nine points in a relief role. Bedonia and De Leon added seven and five points, respectively, for the High Speed Hitters.

Their production complemented the 17-point explosion of Kim Kianna Dy, 13 of Savi Davison, 12 of Mika Reyes and 10 points of Majoy Baron.

“Our goal from training to tune up is to develop maturity. So, we’re happy that we were able to see everyone perform in this game,” Ricafort said.

Still, the architect of PLDT’s two titles last year admitted that the team is far from its dangerous form.

In fact, he rued the High Speed Hitters’ 24 errors and spotty service reception.

Happy that we got this result. But we still have a lot to work on,” he said.

“Our starters were a bit off during the early part and it’s really a challenge winning games if you’re required to use all of your bench. But again, happy that all that we fielded delivered.” =