Kath Arado celebrated a memorable homecoming by helping the PLDT High Speed Hitters defeat the Akari Chargers, 25-14, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20, in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Playing before her family and hometown supporters, Arado earned Player of the Game honors with 19 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, helping PLDT complete its two-game Volleyball tour unbeaten.
Kath Arado Shines During Her Homecoming
Kath Arado grew up in Tipanoy, Iligan City, making the PVL stop in Tubod a rare opportunity to play near her hometown. Members of her family were among the spectators who watched the High Speed Hitters compete against Akari.
Their presence gave the PLDT captain additional motivation. Arado remained composed throughout the four-set Volleyball match and provided the defensive stability her team needed whenever the Chargers began building momentum.
Her most important contributions included:
- Recording 19 excellent digs
- Delivering seven excellent receptions
- Organizing PLDT’s floor defense
- Extending rallies with timely saves
- Helping create attacking opportunities for her teammates
Although liberos do not usually lead the scoring, Arado showed how strong defense can influence the outcome of a Volleyball match. Her positioning and quick reactions made it difficult for Akari to finish several attacks.
PLDT Takes Early Control
PLDT immediately controlled the opening set through effective serving, balanced attacks, and disciplined defense. The High Speed Hitters prevented Akari from establishing a consistent offensive rhythm and comfortably secured the first frame, 25-14.
The second set was much closer. Akari improved its attacking pressure and built a 22-16 advantage, placing PLDT in danger of losing the frame.
The High Speed Hitters stayed patient and used Akari’s errors to reduce the deficit. Kim Fajardo added an important service ace as PLDT completed consecutive scoring runs and tied the set at 22-all.
Majoy Baron, Kim Kianna Dy, and Savi Davison then delivered important attacks during the closing points. An Akari error eventually allowed PLDT to finish its comeback, 26-24, and take a commanding 2-0 match lead.
Akari Forces PLDT to Respond
Akari refused to surrender and played with greater control in the third set. The Chargers improved their defense, challenged PLDT at the net, and established a 24-20 advantage late in the frame.
The High Speed Hitters saved one set point but could not complete another comeback. Akari closed the third set, 25-21, and reduced PLDT’s match advantage to 2-1.
Losing the third frame forced the High Speed Hitters to regain their structure. PLDT needed to reduce its errors and restore its defensive pressure to avoid playing a deciding fifth set.
High Speed Hitters Complete the Victory
PLDT recovered in the fourth set by combining Arado’s back-row defense with Davison’s attacking power. The High Speed Hitters gradually created a lead while preventing Akari from extending its third-set momentum.
A late video challenge also helped PLDT protect its advantage. Risa Sato appeared to score for Akari following an overpass, but the review showed that she had touched the net. The point was awarded to PLDT.
Davison followed with a powerful attack that moved the High Speed Hitters closer to victory. Akari was unable to produce another comeback, allowing PLDT to secure the fourth set, 25-20, and complete the four-set win.
PLDT succeeded because of several key factors:
- Arado’s consistent defensive performance
- Davison’s team-high 22 points
- Timely plays from Fajardo, Baron, and Dy
- Stronger blocking at the net
- Composure after dropping the third set
Balanced Volleyball Performance Powers PLDT
Davison led PLDT’s offense with 22 points, providing the scoring needed to support Arado’s defensive work. Dy added nine points, while the rest of the lineup contributed through attacks, blocks, and service pressure.
The High Speed Hitters recorded nine blocks compared with only two for the Chargers. PLDT also produced 54 attack points against Akari’s 46, showing how effective defense allowed the team to create additional scoring chances.
Faith Nisperos paced Akari with 12 points. However, the Chargers could not maintain the momentum they gained in the third set against PLDT’s organized defense.
A Memorable Victory for Kath Arado
The result gave PLDT another encouraging victory ahead of its next Volleyball competition. The team showed its ability to dominate early, recover from difficult stretches, and respond after losing a set.
