PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Kim Kianna Dy during the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: Petro Gazz, Creamline, PLDT at 2025 AVC Champions Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Kianna Dy continues to show great progress on her road to full recovery from a right knee injury, which sidelined her for more than a year.

After her first start in their previous game— her first in 641 days–Dy followed it up with a solid showing in PLDT close  loss to Thai powerhouse Nakhon Ratchasima, 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15, in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

Kianna Dy talks about her continuous progress in regaining her lethal form. #AVCChampionsLeague | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GOBfsAULgT

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 22, 2025

Dy, who had best game with 12 points, said she is making the most of her opportunity in the Asian stage as she continues to work her way back to her lethal form.

“Every day is a chance to learn. We’re constantly adjusting during training, and we also make time to study our opponents. Personally, I just try to make the most of every opportunity the coaches give me. Whatever role they ask me to play, I give it my all,” said Dy in Filipino. “And today, I just felt really good — the team moved well, and we really fought hard.”

READ: AVC: PLDT’s Kianna Dy gets first start since injury, still finding her form

The Thais lauded the High Speed Hitters’ smart attacking that outwitted them and forced a decider despite going down in the first two sets.

“I think playing smart gives us an edge, especially when we’re up against strong hitters. Even without super powerful spikes, we know how to place the ball well. That’s something Filipinos are good at: playing smart and finding the right spots on the court to score,” said Dy.

PLDT, which fell to a 1-1 record in Pool D, battles Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in a knockout quarterfinal match on Thursday.

“It’s been such a great experience competing in this league. We really got to see and play against international teams. And honestly, we’re really happy with how we played — taking the game to five sets shows that we can keep up with them,” said Dy.