PLDT is on a roll, and the High Speed Hitters’ complete and healthy roster has been a major factor in their success.
The High Speed Hitters have strung together 10 straight victories — eight from their flawless run to the 2025 PVL On Tour championship and two more to open their Invitationals campaign.
For head coach Rald Ricafort, this might be PLDT’s most solid lineup yet, but he admits that rest is a luxury with the two tournaments scheduled so closely together.
“Siguro, lineup-wise, ito na siguro ‘yung medyo full lineup. Pero performance, talagang kailangan din naman talaga ‘yung mga galing sa Alas kasi pagod na rin talaga mga players eh,” said Ricafort on Saturday after their straight-sets win over Cignal.
The High Speed Hitters now feature a full-strength roster, with ninth overall pick Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata back in action after fulfilling their Alas Pilipinas duties.
Key players Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo, as well as Savi Davison — who all previously dealt with injuries — have also returned to peak form, playing pivotal roles in PLDT’s breakthrough championship run.
Still, with games coming one after another, the coaching staff must carefully manage the team’s recovery. Ricafort, however, believes their newfound confidence, built during their PVL On Tour title run, has made things easier.
(C) PVL Images
“Siguro pag high-pressure situations, kasi may na-experience na kami na mahihirap, medyo nare-remind sila na, ‘Okay, napagdaanan na.’ Iikot na lang ulit, point by point na lang ulit,” said Ricafort.
“Ang mas nagiging reference ngayon kahit pagod, gumagalaw na kami na sa tingin ko mas efficient dahil nga nilalaro na namin ‘yung games na may dinadala na talagang pagod, ‘yun lang siguro,” he added.
Team captain Kath Arado, who has witnessed all of PLDT’s highs and lows, believes their championship was a turning point in how the team approaches games.
The High Speed Hitters currently top the Invitational standings with a 3-0 record. They will next face Japanese guest team Kobe Shinwa on Monday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“Yun din talaga e, character development ng bawat isa. Kasi nga napagdaanan namin lahat e, lahat ng emotions, pagod, so alam namin kung paano i-handle at i-handle yung bawat isa. Isang tapik lang, isang tingin, kahit papaano meron na kaming ganon,” said Arado.
