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PLDT Eyes Encore, But Belen-Led Capital1 Stands In The Way
Photo credit: PVL
PLDT has made its early statement in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference—but the High Speed Hitters know one big win means nothing without follow-through.
Fresh off a dominant straight-sets takedown of multi-titled Creamline, PLDT returns to the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan on Thursday determined to secure back-to-back victories. Another win could push the squad into a share of second place—and further cement its status as a serious contender.
But the next test won’t be easy.
Capital1, bannered by rising star Bella Belen, is out to prove it belongs among the league’s heavyweights.
PLDT’s last outing was a showcase of balance and grit. Savi Davison exploded for 26 points and flirted with a triple-double, adding 11 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a superb all-around effort. Still, she credited the team effort.
“I couldn’t have done it alone. Everyone showed up,” Davison said after the win.
Kim Dy and Jovie Prado delivered from the wings, Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes controlled the middle, and veteran setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with calm precision. It was the kind of cohesive performance coach Rald Ricafort has been demanding.
Yet Ricafort remains wary. In a tightly contested season where every team is capable of an upset, consistency—not momentum—is the real currency.
Across the net, Belen has been nothing short of explosive. The former collegiate star poured in 26 points in a four-set win over ZUS Coffee and followed it up with 23 against Nxled, showing she can score from anywhere and carry the offensive load.
Now reinforced by Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston, Ysa Jimenez, and supported in the middle by Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo, Capital1 is steadily gaining traction under coach Jorge de Brito.
The 4 p.m. duel could turn into a headline clash between Davison’s fluid, system-driven attack and Belen’s all-around firepower. The supporting cast may well decide who walks away with momentum.
Later at 6:30 p.m., ZUS Coffee and Akari collide in a battle of redemption. The Chargers are still hunting their first win, while Akari—fresh and well-rested since Jan. 31—looks to spark its campaign behind Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud.
With parity defining the conference, every match counts. And for PLDT, the message is simple: if they want to be contenders, they have to prove it again—right now.
Fresh off a dominant straight-sets takedown of multi-titled Creamline, PLDT returns to the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan on Thursday determined to secure back-to-back victories. Another win could push the squad into a share of second place—and further cement its status as a serious contender.
But the next test won’t be easy.
Capital1, bannered by rising star Bella Belen, is out to prove it belongs among the league’s heavyweights.
PLDT’s last outing was a showcase of balance and grit. Savi Davison exploded for 26 points and flirted with a triple-double, adding 11 excellent digs and 10 receptions in a superb all-around effort. Still, she credited the team effort.
“I couldn’t have done it alone. Everyone showed up,” Davison said after the win.
Kim Dy and Jovie Prado delivered from the wings, Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes controlled the middle, and veteran setter Kim Fajardo orchestrated the offense with calm precision. It was the kind of cohesive performance coach Rald Ricafort has been demanding.
Yet Ricafort remains wary. In a tightly contested season where every team is capable of an upset, consistency—not momentum—is the real currency.
Across the net, Belen has been nothing short of explosive. The former collegiate star poured in 26 points in a four-set win over ZUS Coffee and followed it up with 23 against Nxled, showing she can score from anywhere and carry the offensive load.
Now reinforced by Shaya Adorador, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston, Ysa Jimenez, and supported in the middle by Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo, Capital1 is steadily gaining traction under coach Jorge de Brito.
The 4 p.m. duel could turn into a headline clash between Davison’s fluid, system-driven attack and Belen’s all-around firepower. The supporting cast may well decide who walks away with momentum.
Later at 6:30 p.m., ZUS Coffee and Akari collide in a battle of redemption. The Chargers are still hunting their first win, while Akari—fresh and well-rested since Jan. 31—looks to spark its campaign behind Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud.
With parity defining the conference, every match counts. And for PLDT, the message is simple: if they want to be contenders, they have to prove it again—right now.
Feb 12, 2026
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