TUBOD, Lanao del Norte --- PLDT’s perfect run in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown did not result in a back-to-back reign under this year’s competition format.

Still, head coach Rald Ricafort and his crew remained in high spirits and more motivated by the positive takeaways they can bring into the regular season.

Although their campaign was cut short to just two games after a playdate cancellation, the High Speed Hitters made each exposure count.

The champion of last year’s inaugural edition of the province-hopping pre-season tournament completed a second straight sweep after shutting down Akari, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, on Saturday in front of a sizeable crowd at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium.

PLDT’s wins, in a way, have kept its pride as champion intact, knowing it has continued to lord it over the competition in the short but meaningful tilt.

“We don’t make the decision not to have it as a normal conference. We understand that some teams are depleted because of their players playing for Alas. We know we’re in this (FIVB) calendar during this time,” Ricafort said.

Although playing sans Dell Palomata, who is on loan to the national team, the High Speed Hitters barely felt the absence of the prized middle blocker.

Savi Davison, Kim Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, setter Kim Fajardo, young gun Alleiah Malaluan and decorated libero Kath Arado held the fort to preserve a pristine record since PLDT made a flawless breakthrough championship run in the inaugural edition last year — winning all eight games.

The High Speed Hitters opened the On Tour Showdown with a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, victory over Choco Mucho in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on 25 July.

PLDT was scheduled to face ZUS Coffee last week in Santiago, Isabela but the playdate was called off due to inclement weather brought about by tropical depression “Maymay.”

Ricafort lauded his wards for maintaining discipline and not taking any game lightly as they kept their focus on the big picture.

“Our mindset is to take this as a normal conference. I reminded them that every training, every game is a chance for them to improve, regardless of the tournament. We want to treat each as important games so that we can stay in sync, in shape and ready to play all the time,” the mentor said.

For PLDT, the On Tour Showdown served as an important primer for its title-retention bid in the season-opening Invitationals beginning on 31 August.

“At least we have something to look forward to in the Invitationals, which for sure won’t be easy. We’ll prepare well for that and hopefully have a great showing,” Ricafort said.

PLDT also swept the Invitationals last year and wrote history as the first club to win consecutive tournaments without dropping a game.

The High Speed Hitters will defend their throne against Creamline, Farm Fresh, Nxled and two foreign guest teams.