PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan rises for a hit against Cignal defenders during a PVL Invitational game. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–PLDT kept its unbeaten run in the PVL Invitational, rolling past Cignal, 25-19, 25-13, 25-22, Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Rookie Alleiah Malaluan continued her strong start, finishing with 12 points in just her second pro match. The former La Salle standout added to a stacked frontline already featuring veterans Savi Davison and Kim Dy.
SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL Invitational tournament
Malaluan first impressed with an 11-point debut against Chery Tiggo, and her second double-digit outing earned her another Best Player of the Game award.
“It pushes me to raise the bar even higher, kasi alam ko my ates are there to guide me sa loob ng court,” she said, crediting her teammates for their support. “They always assure me – every time I make a mistake, they tell me, ‘Okay lang, bawi ka.’”
Davison returned from rest and led the team with 17 points, while Majoy Baron chipped in 10, including three blocks.
READ: PVL: Alleiah Malaluan wants to experience next PLDT title romp
The High Speed Hitters improved to 3-0 in the tournament, counting their carryover win against Creamline, and notched their 10th straight victory overall after sweeping the PVL On Tour.
Cignal threatened to extend the match in the third set, building a 19-16 lead off an Ethan Arce ace. But PLDT answered with a late rally and sealed the one-hour, 21-minute match when Jessa Ordiales’ push went wide.
Santos led Cignal with 10 points, while Tin Tiamzon had seven. Rookie setter Kim Fajardo outplayed Gel Cayuna, 19-8, while libero Kath Arado tallied 11 digs and eight receptions to outshine Dawn Catindig, who had nine and five.
Cignal, which lost to Creamline on Thursday, fell to 0-3 with its record from the PVL on Tour semifinals carried over into the Invitational.
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