The PLDT High Speed Hitters. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – PLDT made sure to get the job done this time.

The High Speed Hitters, in their first encounter against Akari in five months, got their payback by sweeping their rivals, 25-22, 25-16, 25-15, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The two teams' last outing in the 2024 Reinforced Conference semifinals was marred by drama due to a controversial call, which even led to a protest to the league—a contest concluded against PLDT's favor.

Amid possibility of heightened emotions entering this game, coach Rald Ricafort shared that the team was advised to keep their focus on the task at hand: winning the match.

READ: PVL: PLDT's Majoy Baron says no resentment from dramatic semis loss vs Akari last year

"Basta naging advice sa amin, tinanong kami kanina kung ano ang feeling ng players, kung may dagdag motivation o wala. Ang ni-remind lang sa kanila kung ano man 'yung extra na yun i-make sure lang na 'yung focus hindi mawawala," said Ricafort.

But the PLDT mentor himself slipped that they were looking forward to this game.

READ: PVL: Baron, PLDT vow to bounce back after 'hard to accept' semis loss

"Happy sa naging result. Nilu-look forward talaga namin 'yung game today. Happy sa ginalaw nila," he said.

This emphatic straight-set triumph was led by the efforts of Fil-Canadian spiker Savi Davison, middle blocker Majoy Baron, and spiker Erika Santos on the offensive end.

Davison listed 15 points built on 13 attacks and two blocks, Baron added 11 attack points, while Santos chipped in 10 markers.

On the defense, captain Kath Arado was there, tallying 19 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Faith Nisperos was the lone bright spot for the Chargers side as the solo player in twin-digit scoring territory with 11.

READ: No net fault: PVL explains controversial call in Akari-PLDT game

PLDT has gained the current fourth spot after securing their fourth win in six games. The squad looks to add more victims as they tackle Choco Mucho next, slated for Thursday, January 23, at the same Pasig venue.

Akari, on the other hand, looks to regain its winning ways as it faces sister team Nxled, also on Jan. 23.