Lena Samoilenko is eager to help PLDT in her second stint with the High Speed Hitters in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
Samoilenko had played for the same squad in the 2022 edition of the tournament. And she reintroduced herself to Philippine volleyball with a dazzling performance in PLDT’s five-set stunner against Creamline last Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
“Really, I’m not feeling good about [scoring] 34 points. But now, I’m feeling a little bit tired but it’s okay,” said the soft-spoken, 6-foot-4 opposite spiker.
Back after two years, Samoilenko scored 34 points on 32 attacks and two aces, adding 14 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
Moreover, the High Speed Hitters handed the Cool Smashers their first opening-day loss since the 2019 import-laced conference.
Asked about her motivation, she expressed her desire to help PLDT rise to the top and achieve their goals in this tournament.
“Nothing. Every game I want to win and I want to be better and help my team,” said Samoilenko.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
During her first stint with the squad, Samoilenko, despite leading the league in scoring, failed to lead PLDT to the semifinals.
They eventually finished with only three wins against five losses, resulting in a sixth-place finish in the tournament.
It was a completely different team back then, with head coach George Pascua still calling the shots, and players like Jules Samonte, Chin Basas, and Rhea Dimaculangan playing significant roles at the time.
This time around, the High Speed Hitters have bolstered their roster and are now loaded with talent, led by Fil-Canadian outside hitter Savannah Davison.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, who won the last Reinforced Conference title with Petro Gazz, mentioned that Samoilenko’s early arrival helped the team smoothly integrate her back into the system, a factor clearly evident in her debut game.
“Good thing din samin, Lena came in early parang nakasakto siya dun sa one month preparation so malaking bagay ‘yun samin. Plus, nandiyan pa rin naman ‘yung mga core players eh. Buti nag-step up din si Fio (Ceballos) sa dulong part,” he added.
