MANILA, Philippines — Alleiah Malaluan made a rousing pro debut for PLDT, which rested its championship core, to beat Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-14, 25-20, in the PVL Invitational on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Malaluan, selected by PLDT at No.9 during the Rookie Draft 2025, waxed hot right in her debut following a fruitful Alas Pilipinas stint as she led the way with 11 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions.

“I’m super grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been with the team for a few months now, and this experience has been a stepping stone for me to build a stronger connection with everyone. I really need that chemistry with the whole team,” said Malaluan in Filipino.

 SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL Invitational tournament

Her entry adds more firepower to the PVL on Tour champions after Alas Pilipinas players received the green light from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to play in the Invitational.

PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Alleiah Malaluan during a PVL Invitational game against Chery Tiggo Crossovers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The La Salle standout came off the bench and showed what she’s capable of for PLDT, which didn’t utilize Savi Davison, Kianna Dy, and Kim Fajardo.

Malaluan checked in late in the first set and scored three of PLDT’s last four points to draw first blood. She carried the momentum into the next two sets to cap an impressive debut.

“I had such mixed emotions. I was excited and nervous at the same time. So I just told myself, ‘Alright, just hit the ball and go for it.’ And thankfully, it turned out okay,” said Malaluan.

“While I was training with Alas, I still joined PLDT’s practices. I made sure to observe everything—watch the game viewings, study the plays, and really absorb everything the coaches were saying.”

Down 18-20 in the third, PLDT also banked on its old reliables with On Tour Finals MVP Mika Reyes scoring two consecutive quick attacks to tie the frame. Jessey De Leon’s clutch hits and Angge Alcantara’s aces completed their 7-0 run to win the game.

PLDT, which earned its first-ever PVL title after overcoming Chery Tiggo in a five-set classic on Sunday, seized a 2-0 lead in the Invitational.

The High Speed Hitters’ semifinal win over Creamline was carried over from the On Tour to the week-long tournament while Chery Tiggo slid to a 1-1 record, carrying its preseason semis win over Cignal.

Majoy Baron delivered 10 points. De Leon had nine points in her first start. Reyes chipped in eight. Alcantara dished out 20 excellent sets on top of five points, while libero Kath Arado had 23 digs and seven excellent receptions.

“That was really the goal going into this game, to prioritize the players’ health, like Kim, Kianna, and actually even Sav, who we just suited up but didn’t plan to play,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort in Filipino. “The main focus was taking care of them and also giving the second unit a chance to step up. And finally, one of the reinforcements we’ve been waiting for Alleiah Malaluan.”

No Crossover scored in double figures, with Cess Robles leading the way with eight points. Ara Galang and Shaya Adorador had six points each. Setter Jasmine Nabor sat out, as Joyme Cagande tossed eight excellent sets.

Alas libero Jen Nierva made her return with 18 digs and nine excellent receptions.