PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort went up against his former team on Thursday night and came out with a hard-fought five-set victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night.
Ricafort said that he was happy to get the win over Petro Gazz – the same team that he steered to the Reinforced Conference title last December – simply because it helped the High Speed Hitters extend their winning streak to three games.
But more than the win, Ricafort hopes that he made the Angels proud as he is using the experience and learnings he got from Petro Gazz in helping PLDT’s rebuild.
“Happy kasi kahit papaano sa side namin, sana na-appreciate nila na naambag din namin kung ano yung natutunan namin sa Petro Gazz noon,” said Ricafort after the thrilling five-set affair.
The UP men’s volleyball head tactician also shared that his previous stint with Petro Gazz came in handy during the match as the High Speed Hitters only had a day to prepare considering they played last Tuesday against Chery Tiggo.
“May tulong. Pero kasi sobrang walang preparation e, yung one day namin viewing tapos onting drills lang unlike doon sa Chery na natutukan namin. So yung maliit na maliit na naiambag ng scouting, buti kahit papaano in-game nakagpag-adjust pa rin kami,” said Ricafort.
“So, napaka-ikli nung preparation pero wala akong masabi sa team, talagang naappreciate ko ng sobra na very coachable talaga lahat ng players so yung transition di talaga ako nahirapan,” he added.
Michelle Morente and Mean Mendrez continued to prove their worth, uncorking 21 points apiece to help PLDT escape Petro Gazz, 21-25, 31-29, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre last night.
Also coming up big for the High Speed Hitters is defensive specialist Kath Arado, who registered 40 excellent digs and 20 excellent receptions.
“Thankful kami talaga na nagkaroon ulit ng panalo ngayon.”
