Alleiah Malaluan entered the Premier Volleyball League as a prized rookie with big expectations.

Two games in, she’s delivering—and then some.

After back-to-back Best Player of the Game awards in her first two matches as a pro, the former La Salle standout is not only holding her own but quickly becoming one of PLDT’s most reliable weapons in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference.

“It pushes me to raise the bar even higher, because even my ates (older teammates) are there to guide me,” said Malaluan, fresh off a 12-point outing in PLDT’s 25-19, 25-13, 25-22 win over Cignal at Philsports Arena on Saturday.

The 21-year-old’s rapid rise is no accident. Coming off her stint with Alas Pilipinas, where she earned her first national team cap, Malaluan arrived with a deeper understanding of the game—and the confidence to match.

“They always assure me—every time I make a mistake, they tell me, ‘It’s okay, you’ll get it back,’” she said. “That really helps me grow into a better player.”

That growth has been on full display. She debuted with a team-high 11 points against Chery Tiggo, adding 13 digs and nine receptions, in a game where head coach Rald Ricafort rested veterans Kim Dy and Savi Davison. Against Cignal, Malaluan followed it up with another efficient showing.

With Malaluan now joining Dy, Davison, Majoy Baron and Dell Palomata—all national team-caliber players—PLDT has morphed into an even more formidable force. The High Speed Hitters are 3-0 in the Invitational and riding a 10-match win streak that began with their unbeaten run to the PVL On Tour title.

“This team has depth,” Ricafort said. “Alleiah gives us more options, and she’s adjusting very well to our system.”

That system was on full display against Cignal. Even as the HD Spikers threatened in the third set, leading 19-16 at one point, PLDT showed composure, countering with timely hits from Dy, Davison and Kath Arado, plus a rare challenge misfire that cost Cignal its final review. —INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF