PLDT kicks off All-Filipino campaign with four-set win vs Nxled

The PLDT High Speed Hitters opened their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference anchored on the stellar performance of rookie setter Angge Alcantara to power past Nxled Chameleons with a 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22 victory at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, November 12.

Filling in the void left by seasoned player Kim Fajardo and the departure of Rhea Dimaculangan, Alcantara stepped up to orchestrate the Speed Hitters’ offense with 13 excellent sets, earning her the Player of the Game plum.

After missing the Reinforced Conference due to a knee surgery, Savannah Davison scored a team-high 19 points and nine excellent receptions.

"Good start considering that Savi (Davison) has just returned," said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort. "It's a shame we can't go straight, maybe that's what we need to work out."

The Chameleons managed to trim the lead, 25-22, courtesy of rookie Lucille Almonte, Chiara Permentilla, and Krich Macaslang, extending the match into a fourth set.

However, the Speed Hitters regrouped and found their rhythm as Davison, Erika Santos, Dell Palomata, and Fiola Ceballos unloaded a 16-5 run, winning the first game to start the season on a high note.

Santos contributed 15 points on 11 kills, three kill blocks, and an ace, while Ceballos filled the stat sheet with 13 markers, 13 digs, and 13 excellent receptions. 

Permentilla led the charge for the Chameleons with 21 points on spikes and dished off 10 digs and 15 excellent receptions. Lycha Ebon added 15 markers, while Almonte finished with nine in the losing effort.

Both teams will return to action on Tuesday, November 19, at the Ynares Center Antipolo where PLDT will take on Galeries Tower, while Nxled will battle ZUS Coffee.