By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kiesha Bedonia made the most of her starting role as the PLDT High Speed Hitters swept the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18, to kick off their 2025 PVL Invitational campaign at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, August 21.

The Negrense hitter scored six points while providing stability on the wing, helping the High Speed Hitters overcome the absence of regular starters Savannah Davison, Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo.

Rookie Alleiah Malaluan also stood out in her debut, nearly posting a triple-double with 11 points, 13 excellent digs and nine receptions.

She keyed a decisive 6-0 run in the third set with Mika Reyes, Angge Alcantara and Jessey de Leon that sealed the sweep.

“‘Yun ‘yung goal going to this game, na i-prioritize ‘yung health ng players — sila Kim, si Kianna. Actually si Sav, pinagbihis lang,” High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort said.

“Ang mas naging goal ay pangalagaan ‘yung sa kanila, saka magbigay ulit ng opportunity sa mga second unit. So, at least, isa sa mga naging reinforcement namin, [si Alleiah Malaluan], ‘yung matagal na naming inaantay. Nakapag-perform naman,” he added.

Majoy Baron added 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks, while De Leon and Reyes scored nine and eight, respectively.

Alcantara orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and five points, including two service aces, while Kath Arado led the defense with 23 excellent digs and seven receptions.

Cess Robles topscored for Chery Tiggo with eight points, while Ara Galang and Shaya Adorador chipped in six apiece.

Jennifer Nierva anchored the floor with 18 excellent digs and nine receptions.

Meanwhile, the Creamline Cool Smashers rallied from a 1-2 deficit to score a 17-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8 victory over the Cignal HD Spikers.

Michele Gumabao powered the defending champion Cool Smashers with a team-high of 22 points built on 18 attacks and four blocks, while also tallying 15 excellent digs./ASC, WDJ