PLDT star Kianna Dy marked the eve of her 31st birthday with a strong all-around outing, leading the High Speed Hitters to a 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18 victory over the shorthanded Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, over the weekend.

Dy, a former UAAP finals MVP, said she was grateful that her boyfriend, Gilas Pilipinas standout Dwight Ramos, along with her family, made the long trip from Manila to Vigan to celebrate with her. The match was played in the UNESCO-declared Heritage City up north, where Dy’s supporters were in attendance to cheer her on.

The crisp-spiking Dy delivered a match-high 17 points, with 16 coming from attacks, as she powered the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise to its first win in the short experimental conference. In a brief format where teams have limited time to settle into rotations, PLDT’s ability to draw production beyond its leading scorers gave the result added value.

“I really appreciate it because traveling here is not really easy, it’s seven hours going here so I really appreciate them watching and celebrating my birthday,” said Ms. Dy.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said the win was not solely about Dy’s performance, as he also credited the team’s reserves for responding when called upon.

“Happy with the result and the performance of the players I pulled off from the bench,” said Mr. Ricafort.

Alleiah Malaluan was among the key contributors from the second unit. Still recovering from a shoulder injury, she finished with nine hits for the High Speed Hitters.

Kiesha Bedonia and Jessey De Leon also made their presence felt, contributing seven and five points, respectively.

Savi Davison saw action as well and produced 13 points in only three sets, but PLDT did not need to lean heavily on her because of the production it received from its second group. Against a Choco Mucho side already described as shorthanded, that balance helped PLDT close out the match after a tight third-set escape. — Joey Villar