Kianna Dy found her stride to help the PLDT High Speed Hitters recover from a slow start and defeat the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Kianna Dy delivered a strong two-way performance as PLDT recovered from a slow start to defeat Choco Mucho, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-19, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the FilOil Centre.
Dy finished with 17 points built on 12 attacks and five blocks, helping the High Speed Hitters turn the match around after dropping the opening set.
Even with the victory, the 29-year-old opposite hitter admitted the team struggled to overcome Choco Mucho's high-powered offense in the early goings.
"We all know na Choco is a very offensive team and kita naman sa start na nag-struggle kami to contain 'yung mga wingers," Dy said during the post-game press conference.
"So sinabihan rin kami ng mga coaches kung ano 'yung adjustments na kailangan for the blockings and nakuha rin namin 'yung rhythm eventually. Pero it wasn’t easy, so credits din sa Choco sa attacks nila."
Those adjustments eventually paid off, as PLDT tightened its defense and dominated the next three sets to improve to 7-1, keeping its grip on the top spot in the standings.
"Before the game even started, the mindset sinabi rin sa'min ng mga coaches na it's not gonna be an easy game," said Dy, expecting a tough out against the Flying Titans despite what their record suggests.
"So, kung sino lang talagang may mas gusto, sinong makaka-adjust, 'yun 'yung ginawa namin sa loob kung paano namin i-stop ‘yung mga attackers."
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Dy also embraced her role as one of PLDT’s key scoring options in the victory.
"I just do naman what I can inside to help the team and whatever they need me to do, I’m ready naman to take on the role," she said.
[ALSO READ: Is 'Point City' back? Not just yet, says Kianna Dy amid strong PVL All-Filipino start]
Choco Mucho dropped to a 3-5 record following the loss, moving them closer to the play-in tournament.
PLDT, meanwhile, will wrap up its preliminary round campaign against the resurgent Nxled Chameleons on Thursday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.
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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.