Following missed podium chances, head coach Rald Ricafort beams with pride as the ladies finally taste the reward of their hard work.

It’s finally time. After multiple close calls for the podium in previous conferences, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are now on the verge of winning their first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) title, facing the Chery Tiggo Crossovers this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Majoy Baron and KKD

The team supported by Manuel V. Pangilinan certainly heightened their momentum to a fever pitch. They completed the brief but exciting PVL off-season conference undefeated, and the High Speed Hitters defeated the Creamline Cool Smashers with a thrilling 5-set win in the semifinals do-or-die match.

For many, the team’s journey isn’t solely about achieving wins; it’s a strong indication that their off-season plans and roster decisions have been highly effective, demonstrating a championship-caliber team prepared for any challenge.

PLDT High Speed Hitters Coach

PLDT’s impressive performance showcases the masterful off-season strategy crafted by head coach Rald Ricafort. His genius blend of returning superstars and fresh talent has created a formidable team that is truly a force to be reckoned with.

Fans are currently thrilled by the return of fan-favorite opposite spiker Kim Kianna Dy, who has bounced back in top form after a knee injury that sidelined her for 559 days. Joining her are the formidable La Salle alumnae Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, and Majoy Baron, all multi-awarded athletes reuniting in the pros. This season also showcases standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Jovy Prado, the latter fully recovered from an earlier ACL injury. Rounding out the team’s offensive and net defense strength is the ever-reliable libero captain, Kath Arado, who expertly manns the floor.

PLDT High Speed Hitters PVL on Tour 2025

“Amid the injuries and the departures, our goal as a team was to be patient. We had to utilize the players that we have, choosing to develop the younger players and give chances to other role players as well,” said Ricafort. “I just feel that this time, we are all healthy and complete. Their conditioning was a big factor because of our back-to-back game schedules while on tour.”

“The maturity of the players also helped execute the direction and the system that we wanted to run,” he added.

PLDT High Speed Hitters to face Chery Tiggo Crossovers in finals

According to Ricafort’s observations, the team’s winning formula combines the dynamic energy of a youth movement with the steady wisdom of veteran leaders. Currently, they are the best blocking squad, featuring Baron along with teammates Reyes, Bedonia, and Dy, all in the top 10. Arado is poised to secure another accolade as she leads in both the best receiver and best digger statistics. Additionally, Bedonia has emerged as the league’s second-best server, delivering clutch performances as an attacker.

“The young guns are also helpful, especially during training, in raising the level of competition within the team,” said Ricafort. “For the vets, even from the past seasons, they’re always there to support the team. They’ve bought into the system that we have, so it’s been smooth-sailing until now. These are competitive players that are motivated intrinsically. That’s why they’re so easy to work with – day in and day out.”

Emotional Arado after the win

In the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, PLDT faced a tough semifinal match against the Akari Chargers, resulting in a loss. They then competed for bronze against the Cignal HD Spikers but fell short again, finishing fifth in the following PVL All-Filipino Conference. Despite this setback, the team showcased a solid performance with an impressive 8-3 win-loss record in the preliminary round.

Despite past disappointing conferences, Ricafort emphasized that the team has focused on their unique synergy both on and off the court. This effort not only aims to elevate their game but also to strengthen their commitment to “Pusong PLDT”—a powerful blend of heart, grit, and a winning attitude.

As they gear up for their biggest match in years, the High Speed Hitters are ready to leave it all on the court and fight for the championship title. Their successful campaign is a source of pride for PLDT Home, a leading internet and digital services company, reinforcing its commitment to delivering the ultimate online experience for Filipino sports and entertainment fans.

“Every conference, we always try to compete and do our best regardless of the lineup that we have,” Ricafort said. “We always aim to win because that’s what we’re here for.” 

Support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in their first-ever finals appearance at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. Follow the team’s championship journey by checking out their official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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