In a strategic move to fortify the squad, the PLDT High Speed Hitters have welcomed three prominent players from a recently disbanded team, creating a roster that exudes championship potential.
The infusion of talent with the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and Kim Fajardo enhances an already formidable lineup, featuring the dynamic Filipino Canadian Savannah Davison and the newly appointed captain, Kath Arado. The team also boasts a wealth of experience with former national players contributing to its depth.
As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) gears up for the 2024 season’s kickoff with an All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, fans are eager to witness if PLDT can secure a coveted podium finish, or perhaps clinch the championship.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort would like to think about it that way.
“It has always been our mindset and our goal—to win the championship. It may be taking us slowly, but we always believe that we are capable of winning the championship, especially if we are 100 percent healthy,” said Ricafort.
PLDT’s best finish in the PVL was in the Invitational Conference with a fourth-place finish. It’s coming off a fifth-place finish in the recent 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
Despite a setback with the injury to former national player Mika Reyes, her reunion with the former F2 Logistics’ big three, who share an impressive list of accomplishments, is something to look forward to.
Kianna Dy, the UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP and 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP, teams up with Baron, UAAP Season 79 MVP and 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker, and Fajardo, a three-time UAAP Best Setter and multiple-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter.
Expressing their enthusiasm, Dy mentioned feeling at home with the team, highlighting their dedication to contribute to PLDT’s pursuit of its first podium finish in the league.
AT HOME WITH PLDT
Dy said she and the new addition to the team feels very much welcome and they are ready to dish out their best and contribute to give PLDT its first podium finish in the league.
“I feel very much at home here, kaming tatlo. Talagang welcome na welcome kami kaya we will work really hard and do our best for our team,” said Dy.
Then there is Davidson, who emerged as a credible threat on the court after topping the league’s scoring in her rookie year last PVL conference.
She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations.
Davison competed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at the University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.
Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero, Arado takes on the new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility.
The roster is completed by notable players such as UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte, along with Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo.
A few days before the season opener, the PLDT High Speed Hitters paid a courtesy visit to PLDT President/CEO Manny Pangilinan, reinforcing the team’s commitment to representing Filipino volleyball on the international stage.
“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.
PVL champion coach Rald Ricafort is backstopped at the coaching staff by Arnold Laniog, Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta while Paolo Escaño supervises the team’s strength and conditioning.
The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.
“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.
Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.