Rookie Alleiah Malaluan delivered a crucial fourth-set spark to help PLDT close out Cignal and advance to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals.
It only took one set for rookie spiker Alleiah Malaluan to show her value once more for the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Inserted only in the fourth frame, Malaluan delivered four timely points—enough to help PLDT weather Cignal’s push and clinch its spot in the semifinals, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21, on Monday, November 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For head coach Rald Ricafort, Malaluan’s short but sharp burst embodied exactly what the High Speed Hitters needed in a knockout match.
“Very sakto ‘yung pagpasok ni Alleiah—gumawa rin siya,” Ricafort said during the post-game press conference.
“Every game namin siyang nire-remind na extension pa rin siya ng core. Kahit minsan complicated ‘yung situations kung kailan siya ilalagay, kailangan lang talaga niyang maging ready.”
[ALSO READ: Alleiah Malaluan flaunts La Salle’s championship DNA in new PLDT chapter]
Bench role for now in Reinforced Conference
Ricafort shared that Malaluan’s role varies depending on rotations, matchups, and the workload carried by import Anastasiia Bavykina.
“Ni-look forward namin na matulungan niya si Nastia this game. Syempre napapagod din ‘yung import, so siya talaga 'yung magiging support,” the PLDT coach explained.
“Very happy ako na ganun pa rin 'yung response niya—maglaro man o hindi.”
PLDT responds after third-set stumble
Ricafort also credited the Super Spikers for pushing them to recalibrate after losing the third set.
“Full credit to Cignal. Pinush nila kami nung nakuha nila ‘yung third set,” he said. “Happy ako na from the loss to Petro Gazz, nag-respond ulit 'yung players. Na-feel namin ‘yung challenge, pero na-overcome namin.”
With the win, the High Speed Hitter kept their bid for a third straight PVL championship alive. Standing in their way next will be the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Thursday, November 27.
[ALSO READ: Ricafort says PLDT focused on growth, not three-peat heading to PVL Reinforced Conference]
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.