TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — PLDT completed its PVL On Tour campaign with a perfect record after beating Akari, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, on Saturday at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium.
The two-time PVL champion High Speed Hitters also defeated Choco Mucho in four sets in Vigan City on July 25 to finish the preseason with two victories.
PLDT entered the On Tour as the defending champion, but the league used the event as a preseason competition this year instead of a regular conference.
Coach Rald Ricafort said the team used both matches to prepare for the PVL Invitational Conference, which starts Aug. 31.
“It would’ve been nice to play in the Isabela leg, but at least in our final On Tour game, we achieved our goal of improving from our game against Choco Mucho,” Ricafort said in Filipino.
PLDT had initially planned to play in Isabela, but foul weather forced the cancellation of the leg. Ricafort said the team’s response after Akari won the third set provided another test ahead of the new season.
“I kept telling our players that there’s really no room for complacency,” he said. “We’re happy that we bounced back in the fourth set and got the win.”
Savi Davison led PLDT with 22 points on 19 kills, two blocks and an ace. She also recorded 13 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Davison said the tour gave the team an opportunity to play before fans outside Manila and adjust to different environments.
“I know for us, it’s hard because there are so many fans and so much support here,” Davison said. “There’s also a lot of support in Manila, but it’s not the same here since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to come see us.”
PLDT will now shift its focus to the Invitational Conference, where Ricafort expects stronger competition.
“At least we have the Invitationals to look forward to, and I’m sure that won’t be easy to win,” he said. “We’ll prepare well and hopefully play well there.”
