“Defense wins championships” is a phrase often heard in basketball and American football, but Kath Arado proved on Sunday night that defense can also be the key to winning titles in volleyball.
Arado, a libero — a position that rarely scores except in unusual situations — gave PLDT its biggest lift through her impenetrable floor defense.
She was the foundation for the High Speed Hitters to take the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Invitational championship with a 21-25, 31-29, 25-22, 25-18 victory over Kobe Shinwa University.
Facing the young and relentless Japanese guest team, the five-time PVL Best Libero anchored the defense with 22 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions, becoming the first libero ever to be named Finals MVP.
Even she was surprised that a defensive specialist could earn such recognition, but as the saying goes, there’s a first time for everything.
“Sobrang happy. Parang, yun nga, kulang talaga yung salitang proud sa nangyayari sa team,” said Arado, who endured heartbreaking conferences before finally winning back-to-back championships, the first coming from the PVL On Tour just two weeks ago.
“Actually, yung Finals MVP hindi ko talaga alam na meron pa lang ganon na libero pwede mag Finals MVP. Happy at the same time parang proud sa team kasi ang layo ng pinagdaanan,” she added.
For Arado, however, if she could dedicate the award to anyone, it would be the coaches.
The University of the East product credited the coaching staff led by head coach Rald Ricafort, emphasizing that they are the backbone of a team that is quickly shaping up to be a title favorite in conferences to come.
“Thankful lang din na sila (coaches) yung nakasama ko kasi nga yung pasensya nila sa akin na i-feed nang i-feed, yun din yung nagiging successful. Kaya hanggang ngayon, nandito pa rin ako naglalaro,” said the 27-year-old libero.
She also lauded her teammates for staying patient during the tough times and sticking with the squad until they finally reached the top of Philippine volleyball, now with two straight titles.
In the gold medal match, it was a collective effort. Conference MVP Savi Davison led the charge with 20 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs. Kianna Dy followed with 17 points on 11 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while Alleiah Malaluan and Mika Reyes chipped in 15 and 12 markers, respectively.
“Siguro din kasi kumportable ako sa mga kasama ko, yung walang filter yung ginagalaw ko, walang hesitation, kasi alam nila kung paano ako maglaro,” said Arado.
“Alam ko rin paano sila maglaro, so nagko-complement lang yung mga players to each other, kaya siguro name-maintain at hinihigitan ko yung every game talaga.”
With the heartbreaks and painful exits now behind them, Arado and the rest of the High Speed Hitters feel determined to build on these back-to-back championships — and stay at the top for a long time.
