PLDT has reigned supreme in the Premier Volleyball League’s last two tournaments, capturing the titles in both the PVL On Tour and the Invitational Conference.
But for head coach Rald Ricafort, the mindset remains the same: the High Speed Hitters are still the challengers, not the favorites.
“Hindi namin masyadong naiisip eh na champion kami. Ganon pa rin, kami yung naghahabol. Tapos naman na yung naging dalawang tournaments, back to start ulit kami,” said Ricafort, now a three-time PVL champion coach, including one with Petro Gazz.
PLDT is also fully aware that the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference presents new challenges absent in their recent conquests — the return of Alas Pilipinas members to their respective club teams and the arrival of imports set to bolster all 12 squads.
(C) PVL Images
In the Invitationals, the High Speed Hitters already had Alas standouts Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata back in the fold, but that field featured only six teams.
This Reinforced Conference — which kicks off on October 7 at the Ynares Center in Montalban — PLDT will be further boosted by the addition of Anastasiia Bavykina, a Russian national team opposite spiker.
“Yung una, hindi namin goal yung three-peat or anything. Bagong conference, bagong competition, alam namin na mahirap yung magiging conference dito na may Alas at imports,” Ricafort explained.
“Day by day ulit kami, kung saan ulit kami abutin ng hardwork.”
PLDT’s bid for a third straight crown begins on October 13, Monday, against 2025 first overall pick Bella Belen and Capital1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Joining them in their pool are Choco Mucho, Cignal, Farm Fresh, and Nxled.
