Games today:
(FilOil EcoOil Centre)
4 p.m. — PLDT vs Capital1
6:30 p.m. — ZUS Coffee vs Akari
As far as PLDT is concerned, opening its campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with a big win over traditional powerhouse Creamline is already a thing of the past.
What matters now is how the High Speed Hitters will sustain the momentum they have built last week when they face a reeling but very dangerous Capital1 today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
PLDT aims to score back-to-back victories in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser of the double-header playdate that also features an exciting encounter between ZUS Coffee and Akari as both seek to enter the win column.
Despite minimal moves during the offseason, the High Speed Hitters made a strong statement with a 25-22, 25-17, 25-23, slamming of the 10-time champions Cool Smashers last week.
PLDT showed fluid movement inside and was unfazed despite the presence of a complete Creamline side with the return of setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza.
Passing an acid test right in their debut match has shown the kind of maturity the two-time champion PLDT has developed over the years of playing together.
“The longer we play together, the No. 1 thing we were able to develop is our maturity as well as patience. That’s the psychological edge we want to teach and try every game to be consistent with. But of course, we’re still in a learning process,” High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort said.
PLDT bannered by veterans in Savi Davison, Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Jovi Prado, setter Kim Fajardo and libero Kath Arado will once again use that edge against the Solar Spikers.
Davison, who dropped 26 points in the opener, expects the High Speed Hitters to play with the same energy and aggression as last time while guarding against complacency.
“We try to do this every game coming forward. I don’t want to take it to our heads. But it’s one game at a time,” the Filipino-Canadian spiker said.
PLDT, however, will have to keep its guards up against a Capital1 side looking to bounce back from an 18-25, 26-28, 18-25, drubbing at the hands of Nxled last Saturday.
The High Speed Hitters have their eyes fixed on top rookie pick from the last Draft Bella Belen.
The Alas Pilipinas winger averaged 24.5 points per game and has been doing most of the heavy lifting for the Solar Spikers, who are tied with Creamline and Galeries Tower with a 1-1 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, the Reinforced Conference runners-up Thunderbelles try to arrest a two-game skid after falling prey to the Solar Spikers in four sets and the Highrisers in a stinging five-set decision.