With their final hopes in peril, PLDT libero Kath Arado delivered a defensive masterclass, keeping the High Speed Hitters alive in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals.
The former national team stalwart gathered 21 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions to help PLDT secure a 25-23, 25-14, 25-23 win over Kinh Bắc-Bắc Ninh at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Monday night.
Arado expressed that she entered the game with full confidence in her teammates, believing they would help her defend the floor against the hard-hitting Vietnamese side.
“Siguro po kasi ‘di ako nangangamba sa mga kasama ko alam ko kahit di sa akin mapunta ang bola, alam ko magagawan nila ng paraan na mabigay kay ate Rhea [Dimaculangan] para ‘di kami mahirapan mag-set up ng play,” said Arado.
“Wala yung kaba na yung last game na hard serve, hard serve sila pero sakto sa tao kaya di ako nangangamba lalo na kay ate Fio [Ceballos],” she added.
The High Speed Hitters entered the semifinals already carrying a 0-1 advantage courtesy of their victory over groupmate Creamline back in the group phase. PLDT then suffered a lopsided sweep at the hands of Cignal to start the semifinals, dropping to 0-2.
Things, however, started to turn around for the High Speed Hitters after they stunned the heavily-favored F2 Logistics in straight sets.
Arado mentioned that their preparation against the Cargo Movers came in handy when they took on Kinh Bắc-Bắc Ninh due to their similar playstyle.
“Siguro po ano, kasi napanood po namin talaga sila nung first name nila against Japan [Kurashiki]. Talagang alam na namin na solid yung blockings nila,” said the former University of the East star.
“Parang yung pinaghandaan namin against F2, hindi naman nalalayo dito sa kanila kasi nga malakas sila mag-block tapos solid pa yung libero nila, yung wing pa nila powerful, so hindi siya ganun kalaking adjustment [since] galing kami sa F2 kasi parang same din sila ng laruan ng F2,” she added.
