PLDT's Kim Kianna Dy. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – PLDT, despite succumbing in Set 3, got the better of sister team Cignal, 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, for a bounce-back win in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Kim Kianna Dy, who has been undergoing recovery for about a year now due to a knee injury, made her comeback on the PVL taraflex, as she entered during Set 4.

Coach Rald Ricafort said after the game that Dy wasn't supposed to enter the court tonight, but they still did so to incorporate her into the system.

"Actually, hindi pa siya dapat today kasi based dun sa progress ng recovery niya, kaka-try niya lang mag back-to-back. Naka-isang beses palang siya na back-to-back na hard training so ini-incorporate palang namin siya onti-onti pero nasubukan ng maaga-aga pero happy kami na paunti-onti na siya nakakabalik saka dadahan-dahanin namin i-incorporate siya ulit," he said.

The High Speed Hitters somehow celebrated Dy's return by fending off a comeback attempt by their sisters from another team, the HD Spikers, during Set 4, where they led by as much as 10, 16-10.

The Cignal side, bannered by the offensive showings of Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip midway the frame, even came within one at 22-21 but the High Speed Hitters eventually found the rhythm once more to finish the match off kills from Majoy Baron and star spiker Savi Davison.

READ: 'It hasn't been easy': KKD turns emotional as she reflects on a 'hard year'

Davison got plenty of help this time, highlighted by Erika Santos who dropped 15 points, while Baron breached twin-digit scoring with 10. The Fil-Canadian spiker, the all-around player she is, also made her presence felt at the defense, listing 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Angge Alcantara steered the PLDT firepower with 16 excellent sets. The High Speed Hitters now see themselves tied with Chery Tiggo and Choco Mucho, their last tormentor last game, at 5-3 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, Gandler's 22-point outburst was for a losing cause, as the HD Spikers absorbed their second defeat in seven matches.

RELATED VIDEO: