PLDT may have been the early solo leader in the 12-team field of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, but it has learned valuable lessons from the past.
Despite winning their first three games, the High Speed Hitters are not getting ahead of themselves. They know the conference is far from over, and anything can happen, especially with the fresh format.
After all, PLDT’s three wins to open the AFC came against Nxled, Galeries Tower, and Capital1—teams that are still winless.
“Actually, yung results nung past three games hindi masyadong nakaka-affect sa’min eh. Nandoon pa rin kami talaga sa mindset kung paano namin i-look forward yung mga stronger teams,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Ayun nga nabanggit ko kanina, bonus na lang na nagiging easy wins pero dagdag na lang talaga na may momentum kami going to those hard games,” he continued.
In the previous edition of the AFC, the High Speed Hitters started strong with a 7-1 record, only to lose their final three matches against Chery Tiggo, Cignal, and Creamline, ultimately missing the semifinals.
(C) PVL Images
This time, however, PLDT is determined to get over the hump, especially with the six-month conference schedule working in their favor.
“Sobrang nakakatulong ‘yung schedule kasi naba-balance out namin lahat—from pahinga to scouting to individual to team preparation, so okay yung schedule namin,” said the champion coach.
“Okay kami kasi once a week lang kami naglalaro. So sana ma-maintain kahit sa mga susunod na conferences para yung health din ng players maging 100 percent hanggang dulo.”
The High Speed Hitters are still not at full strength, as they are awaiting the return of setter Kim Fajardo and opposite spiker Kianna Dy. Star player Savi Davison is also not yet at her healthiest, although she’s already playing.
