PLDT squeaked past Choco Mucho, 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-16, to wrap up its elimination campaign in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, March 16, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. 

The High Speed Hitters had to recover from their opening set stumble to turn away the Flying Titans and eventually hiked to a 6-2 record and secured the third seed due to the point system going into the semifinals. 

Me-An Mendrez showed the way for PLDT after finishing with 21 points off 18 attacks, two aces and a block. 

Four other High Speed Hitters breached the double-digit mark, with team captain Mika Reyes adding 18 points built on 14 attacks, four blocks and an ace. 

Dell Palomata and Jovelyn Prado chipped in 12 points each, while Mich Morente had 10 in a total team effort. 

PLDT had to escape Choco Mucho’s determined fightback in the second and third set before pulling away midway through the fourth. 

Ultimately, it came down to Palomata’s block on Isa Molde before Morente punctuated the match with a down-the-line hit. 

Molde and Kat Tolentino connived for the Flying Titans with 14 markers each, while Tonnie Ponce contributed 13, which won’t be enough to overcome the 
High Speed Hitters. 

With the win, the High Speed Hitters set up a meeting with second seed Petro Gazz Angels in a best-of-three showdown. 

Meanwhile, reigning champion Creamline Cool Smashers will take on fourth-ranked F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in other best-of-three duel. 

The semifinal matchups will begin on Saturday, March 18, at the same venue. Time slots are to be determined.